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November 13, 2007
Gas burner installation
We replaced our
oil burner (even though it was newly installed 3 years ago) with a
high efficiency gas burner. The plumber that's going to install it
says that we can use the chimney for exhaust, just as was true for
the oil burner. On the other hand, I had the impression that the
exhaust had to be via PVC piping or that the chimney had to be lined
for gas exhaust...
Who's right? I would appreciate any insight anyone might have
Thanks!
On another note, we have a nearly new oil burner for sale, cheap
Comments
I DID THE SAME THING AND EVERYTHING IS FINE HE IS TELLING YOU RIGHT
Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 10:02 AM
May I ask why you chose to replace a new oil burner with gas? I'm curious because I have a relatively new oil burner (5 yrs old) and am considering converting to gas for several reasons...high fuel costs, burner reliability, cleanliness, etc. I've had more issues with the "new" burner than I had with the old 50-year-old burner. Thanks.
Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 10:44 AM
Watch for the unintended consequence of the switch: Natural gas burns at a lower temperature than #2 oil. The resulting by-product of the combustion, water vapor, will in cold winter months condense in the upper reaches of your chimney. Oil heat will dry out the chimney; gas will not. If you have any cracks or voids in the chimney lining the condensed water can leak back into the adjoining walls. You need a good draw on the exhaust to fully eliminate this happening.
Good luck.
Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 11:45 AM
You can also have a flexible stainless steel liner installed in the chimney (a larger version of a dryer vent hose, but made for chimneys). This will ensure that there no escaping of gases. We had that installed in our chimney when we had the gas boiler installed.
Posted by: WBer at November 13, 2007 3:12 PM
ran me about 2300 for three story house to install such a liner and a chimney cap. Seemed worth it to me.
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 13, 2007 3:17 PM
Please don't take anyone's comments here as fact. You have a very legitimate concern and you don't need speculation. You need the answer which is this:
Look in the Installation and Operation Manual that came with your new boiler. The answer will be written as clear as day in the Venting section.
If you can't find it, note the manufacturer, name and serial number of your boiler and go to the company's website or Technical Service Department for the right answer.
For what it's worth, you say you've got a "high efficiency boiler".
There is NO WAY you can safely use the existing chimney without serious modification.
Standard efficiency oil and high efficiency gas use two very different venting systems.
...but don't take my word for it.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at November 13, 2007 3:44 PM
you can also go to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) website and look up the information in the code books.
As a property developer, I like getting into the technical stuff.
Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 10:10 PM
Thanks for all your input...Could I prevail upon you for a referral to a place that can do the chimney lining?
Happy holidays to all..
Jp
Posted by: petrinij at November 19, 2007 3:06 PM
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