Convert from oil heat to Gas? Live in New England

[hurricanegirl]

Long story short. I need to replace my Steam burner now! I will also need a new tank in a year or so.

I am most likely going to convert to gas steam heat.  I am very interested in any and all experiences/ideas to save money

[ArchietheDragon]

I converted from a oil fired boiler to a high efficiency gas boiler about 3 or 4 years ago.   It cost me $8k.   I live in CT.   It has been great.  Love it. No complaints.   Would do it again.

[mroped]

Natural gas is a much cleaner burning fuel and is abundant in US. Dollar for dollar, you get more out of gas than oil.
Use to be that people were afraid of gas because of the dangers of explosion or undetected seepage that could lead to death. Not anymore, technology is awesome!

Why steam and not maintain hot water if you already have it? Just change the furnace and tank and be done with it!
While a gas furnace might be a bit more expensive then there is the issue of maintenance were is much cheaper and the fuel that is much cheaper.
If you do the switch, when you do it just make sure that you have a chimney in good condition. An upgrade of it might be necessary. You might need to install a stainless steel liner if you don't have one. Do not under any circumstances install an aluminum liner. They are trouble and in about 5-6 years you will need a new one.
The liner will be necessary to improve the efficiency of the furnace and to protect the chimney from staining.
There is one of the best manufacturers in the country somewhere in the country in Willingston VT. Their name is New England Chimney Supply. They also have crews that would go out and install if I'm not mistaking.
If you call them, they might be able to ofer you some more advise and walk you through the whole process.

[toomuchreality]

I think it's a good idea to convert to natural gas. It does a great job and is much cleaner, as well as cheaper.

I hope it goes well for you.

[Peace77]

We converted from oil to natural gas the first winter after we bought our home.  The oil boiler was original to the house circa 1939.  The inspector couldn't test it as there was no oil in the tank.  I didn't want to have to worry about saving several hundred dollars at a time to fill up the tank.

We sold the oil tank and were happy to get more space in the basement.

[hurricanegirl]

well, the new gas burner is installed, so I am "good to go".

Unfortunately the oil tank - with about 200 gallons of oil needs to go away. Any ideas how? who?

[ArchietheDragon]

May 22, 2015 4:52:47 GMT -5 hurricanegirl said:

well, the new gas burner is installed, so I am "good to go".

Unfortunately the oil tank - with about 200 gallons of oil needs to go away. Any ideas how? who?

That 200 gallons of oil is worth about $600, so someone will want it.  I would look for a local scrap dealer or something like that.  They should be able to pump out the oil into something, then cut up the tank and take it away.   Tell them they can have it all for $300.   

When I got rid of my oil tank, my neighbor knew a "guy".   I didn't think the pick up he came with would be able to drive away with the tank and old boiler in the bed, but somehow it did. 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

May 22, 2015 4:52:47 GMT -5 hurricanegirl said:

well, the new gas burner is installed, so I am "good to go".

Unfortunately the oil tank - with about 200 gallons of oil needs to go away. Any ideas how? who?

We can run a hose from your tank to mine and I will take that oil off of your hands. 

You're welcome.  

[Peace77]

Look in Craigslist under: Wanted to buy.
There are often ads for people looking to buy oil.  

When end I sold my empty tank, the legs were removed and 2 guys carried it out the basement door to their truck.  No need to cut it up.