Is it possible to replace an oil burner with a gas burner without removing/changing the boiler?
Is it possible to replace an oil burner with a gas burner without removing/changing the boiler?

nintzk
in Heating 13 years ago
8
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steam_man | 13 years ago
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I’m going to give you the best advice you’ll ever get regarding this issue. Call Uncle Ray at MJD Combustion 516-327-4870, tell him Steve Fontas sent you. Tell him what boiler you have and what you want to do. Have fun…

eman134 | 13 years ago
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Upon seeing that it is a gorgeous old firetube boiler, of course it is possible…you will need to get the chimney inspected and cleaned and/or lined depending on the condition, and get a technician to spec out the appropriate gas gun suitable for the configuration of the boiler…don’t let someone just slap on an equivalent sized burner without considering the necessary target distance,etc

steam_man | 13 years ago
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I’m only getting back into this nonesense to ask one question. Is this a firetube boiler or a sectional boiler? If it is a firetube and of a certain make, then yes, I might save it. If it is a sectional, then my friend, you are wasting your time as well as everyone else’s.

zampano | 13 years ago
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This is one word to describe a sixty year old boiler – history

nintzk | 13 years ago
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The boiler is old…probably 60+ years. It was actually designed to take oil or coal. The bottom of the boiler simply has a circle cut out where the oil gun is inserted. I don’t see why it couldn’t just be pulled out and replaced with a gas burner.

steam_man | 13 years ago
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That is not a simple answer because there are different boilers and burners. It would be entirely possible on some and not at all on others. It truly depends on the boiler and circumstances such as venting. I venture to say you are asking this question because you want to convert and try to save some money doing so. The truth is your payback will onliy be slightly longer by replacing the equipment in it’s entirety.

zampano | 13 years ago
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depends on the boiler – if it was orginally designed to be either gas, oil or a duel fuel boiler and depending on the efficiency of the boiler. If you are heating with hot water, there are some really efficient options availabe that weren’t there a few years back. if it’s steam, do some homework and decide.

eman134 | 13 years ago
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possible, but usually ill advised due to innefficiency, will cost you more in the long run