Convert from Oil to Propane

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Posted by S. Twing on July 25, 2001 at 19:06:49:

I currently have a 15-year-old Peerless oil-fired boiler that heats our home (five zones + indirect Amtrol tank). After an annual cleaning, the oil company said I should have the combustion chamber rebuilt in the boiler, which runs well for a few months then degrades quickly.

We just had the chimney cleaned and, oddly, the chimney sweep suggested we do what he just did: replace his oil-fired boiler with a direct vent, propane fired boiler.

I've heard from others that propane isn't as efficient as fuel oil (I live in VT where propane generally is more expensive than oil).

Any experts out there care to weigh in on the following questions:
1. Would it be intelligent to switch from oil to propane fired heat from an efficiency standpoint?

2. If so, what is the best way to do this? Whole new boiler (I assume so) -- does it make sense to do this while the boiler still is functional?

3. Are the economics there, assuming less cleaning, no chimney cleaning/repairs, etc.

Any/all input is appreciated. I want to make sure I don't make a foolish mistake.

Thanks.
Shawn

Follow Ups:

Re: Convert from Oil to Propane jtown 06:49:53 7/26/2001 (0)
Re: Convert from Oil to Propane Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network 19:28:21 7/25/2001 (2)
- Re: Convert from Oil to Propane S. Twing 19:34:12 7/25/2001 (1)
  - Re: Convert from Oil to Propane Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network 22:35:10 7/25/2001 (0)

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: I currently have a 15-year-old Peerless oil-fired boiler that heats our home (five zones + indirect Amtrol tank). After an annual cleaning, the oil company said I should have the combustion chamber rebuilt in the boiler, which runs well for a few months then degrades quickly. : We just had the chimney cleaned and, oddly, the chimney sweep suggested we do what he just did: replace his oil-fired boiler with a direct vent, propane fired boiler. : I've heard from others that propane isn't as efficient as fuel oil (I live in VT where propane generally is more expensive than oil). : Any experts out there care to weigh in on the following questions: : 1. Would it be intelligent to switch from oil to propane fired heat from an efficiency standpoint? : 2. If so, what is the best way to do this? Whole new boiler (I assume so) -- does it make sense to do this while the boiler still is functional? : 3. Are the economics there, assuming less cleaning, no chimney cleaning/repairs, etc. : Any/all input is appreciated. I want to make sure I don't make a foolish mistake. : Thanks. : Shawn

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