boiler relining and oil to gas converstion questions
I know there have been a lot of posts about this recently. I have a couple specific questions, though, and I’m hoping some of you may be able to chime in. If I want to convert from oil to gas heat, is it Keyspan who does the conversion for me, including emptying and removing the…
I know there have been a lot of posts about this recently. I have a couple specific questions, though, and I’m hoping some of you may be able to chime in.
If I want to convert from oil to gas heat, is it Keyspan who does the conversion for me, including emptying and removing the oil tank? Any other options?
How long does it take? I’d like to wait until we burn through the oil in the tank, but that will probably be when it’s pretty darn cold out. Wondering how long to expect we’d be w/o heat.
My boiler needs to be relined. The lining is pretty much a shambles in there… Think it would be okay to use it for a month or two until we do the conversion?
Thanks much!
Actually, we do oil to gas conversion and boiler replacement estimates for free all day long.
We sometimes charge for system design change, engineering proposals and complete system evaluation and diagnostic services, though.
Thanks for calling.
UH, I just called your company, Master Plvmber, and I was told it would cost me a whopping $400 just for an estimate!! Are you kidding? And if I choose to hire you, you’ll credit me back $200 of that $400????
Thanks for your reply, O Master. 🙂
Any comments on this: My boiler needs to be relined. The lining is pretty much a shambles in there… Think it would be okay to use it for a month or two until we do the conversion?
And anyone have other recs for contractors I should call to get estimates from?
thanks-
Removal of the oil tank and remaining oil, if necessary, require a company certified by DEP to handle and transport it. That usually requires a separate company that your boiler installer can put you in touch with or be subcontracted for an additional fee on top of the removal cost if you prefer.
I can only speak for my own company, but most boiler replacements can be coordinated to take just 1-2 days and can be done, as of Oct 1, while the permits are in process.
It is VERY rare that a conversion leaves a household without heat overnight.
Two other noteworthy points on converting from oil to gas heat are:
1. The removal of any asbestos that may be on or near the boiler by a certified Asbestos Abatement company.
2. Inspection and certification that the chimney is structurally sound and functional.
Yes, the former Keyspan, now National Grid, can do the conversion for you using one of their “approved†contractors or you can hire a licensed, independent contractor to do the job.
Either is able to take care of the paperwork for you.
If you get estimates, you’ll see that prices vary greatly.
It should be noted that the fact that a contractor is on the utility’s approved installer list does not speak to that contractor’s skills or integrity at all.
It only means the contractor has shown proof of license and insurance at the time of sign-up and paid to get on the rotating list of those referred to homeowners who inquire about converting.
My company used to pay the fee, but luckily, our phone rings without having to so we stopped that.
The most important thing, if it’s a steam heating system, is that the person doing the conversion counts and measures all the radiators in the building to accurately determine the size of the new boiler.
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s ok to “put back what’s there†or size the new boiler by the dimensions of the building.
This is your chance to have the right, most efficient boiler possible installed.
It’ll be yours for the next 20 years or more, after all.
In fact, you could probably consider yourself lucky that your old and cruddy boiler requires replacement just as the cost of energy has gotten out of control.
Always look for the silver lining.