converting oil to gas boiler - steam or hot water - or start from scratch?

Hi everyone, Our roughly 15 year old oil-fired steam boiler has caused us nothing but headaches and huge bills since we moved in. We’re considering converting to gas, but I’m not sure how it works – do we keep the old boiler and somehow change it from oil to gas? Or get a whole new boiler? And is it even possible to convert from steam to hot water? If so, can we keep our old steam pipes and rads, or do we need to replace all of those as well? Any recommendations for a plumber to do this? We’re in Harlem. Thanks so much in advance.

empathie00

in Boiler Repair 12 years and 5 months ago

8

Please log in, in order to post replies!

8 replies

Newest Oldest

daniel | 10 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4945 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4933 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "8251"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "daniel"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$ByZ/HdDTh8I0wPz8EpbaKdWTt.XIDJ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "daniel"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "3timesaleo@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:54:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "daniel"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(8251)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Helo eman134, That’s what I am leaning tords. Just changing the burner over to gas. However the boiler is a peerless boiler and is about 13-15 years old. It seems to be working fine. I think it is a good idea to measure the radiators as the boiler was installed when it was a one family home. It is now a separated 3 family with the one boiler of 125,000 btu’s. Given that would still just change the burner or get a ne boiler? I am looking in to the incentives from national grid. Thanks for your help Dan

empathie00 | 12 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4943 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177582"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "empathie00"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B39XlbF3Z/GXxRzNgW/yrLZdITT1/R."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "empathie00"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "empatrick@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/empathie00/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:17:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "empathie00"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177582)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks all, this is really helpful. We already relined our chimney by we have gas water heaters, so that’s good at least. 🙂 Just one more question I’m not sure I understand – can we have a gas fired boiler with steam, or if we want gas, must we switch to hot water and all the mess that repiping would entail?

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4940 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5113 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Ceramic, clay or terra cotta liners are fine by code. If you pulled a new liner through, it may be because you had a safety issue with your compromised ceramic liner that couldn’t be repaired.

blaqhole | 12 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4943 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4945 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178612"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "blaqhole"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B6CIOxUKSN/nhcwl9W5.TlaWza.UXw1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "blaqhole"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "blaqhole@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/blaqhole/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:19:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "blaqhole"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178612)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

One thing I learned converting from an oil burner to a natural gas boiler is also that you may have to reline your chimney with steel because of the exhaust that gas boilers kick out. It’s an additional cost to consider. My chimney was originally ceramic (and partially collapsed) and they had to pull it all out to reline it with stell at the right diameter.

zampano | 12 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5114 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176821"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "zampano"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B2aJKeOBT67ECX2QTP59NvMG1ggZFg."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "zampano"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "nycparent10025@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(22) "/forums/users/zampano/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "zampano"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176821)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

As you are in Harlem, Con Ed is your supllier and they are not all that helpful at the moment to small gas users. I did a gas conversion with Con Ed last year. The load letter went in June and gas was turned on in February. I did better than some other folks I know. You need to figure the costs for the tank removal as well as the gas piping and any general construction. Even if you only do the burner, the gas pipe goes through several spaces first, your flue may not be adequate, boileer and meter room louvers may be required and on and on. I can promise you one thing – Your steam venting is probably a mess. I can tell from your question. Fix this now while you get some prices. Don’t save yourself a few dollars. Get every vent replaced top to bottom with a new vent, right sized so your system is balanced. You will literally sleep better and save a few dollars very quickly.

ellenlourie | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4940 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209451"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BW7BCPC4MhhU4md6aHcLH/64c1GhM1/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "ellen.lourie@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-29 12:47:36"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209451)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

if boiler is not leaking, then it is good. you can get gas burner for around $500 from national grid, and one of their prequalified licenced contractors will install it for around $800, so for $1,300 you will have a complete nice , almost new gas heating systems.

eman134 | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4943 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177006"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BaRrlDjFBcYAeDJ9.lwOTJ9pQC9nsT."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "errol832000@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "http:///forums/users/eman134/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177006)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Be aware that your gas supplier, National grid, will also probably give you a discounted boiler depending on the program at the time that you convert. they generally supply Burnham boilers, which is an excellent american made choice.As MP said, steam to hydronicis a whole different  and far more costly scope of work. For a free consultation drop me an email at my contact info listed on my profile. Regardless of who ends up doing the job, make sure that the technician measures your radiators and sizes the new boiler based on the EDR (equivalent direct radiation) calculation from that, rather than looking at the size of the old boiler and replacing it with the same sized boiler. Nearly all older boilers are oversized, and bigger is not better, especiallly in a steam system. Also, take this as an opportunity to take care of any other problems such as incorrect near piping layout and address any issues such as banging in the system or uneven heating distribution.

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

At 15 years of use, your oil boiler is near the end of its useful life. Technically, you can replace the oil burner in your boiler with a gas burner, but you shouldn’t. The boilers are designed differently and oil makes a hotter flame with different venting properties and requirements. So, although replacing burners is a far easier job and carries a higher profit percentage for the installer, you would be far better served by a new natural gas boiler. 

Converting from steam to hot water ususally means some serious figuring and redoing of every component of the system or ripping out every piece you’ve got and starting over from scratch. It’s best left to those doing gut renovations.