Oil-to-Gas Boiler Conversions

Converting an oil-fired boiler to a water-based system is a major home comfort project. A job well-done provides more livable space, and eliminates higher heating bills in times of skyrocketing oil prices.

Get Rid of That Oil Tank

In my opinion, an oil tank is an archaic method of heating a home that poses risks to the homeowner, as well as uncertain costs, in light of roller-coaster oil prices.

There is also considerable risk involved with a basement oil tank, largely due to human error. How many times have you heard of an oil tank that was overfilled, and spilled on the floor? My favorite story is when a tank became so loaded with sludge that the bottom fell out! After the clean-up, the customer was $25,000 poorer. That's an extreme case, and thankfully, it doesn't occur often.

The oil tank removal isn't complete until the oil vent and outside supply lines are removed. If the installer should forget to remove the lines, and the homeowner neglects to cancel the next oil delivery, the customer could have a pool of oil in their basement. (Scroll down to continue reading article.)

Chimney Liner Upgrade

Unless you're installing a high efficiency system that vents directly outside, all oil-to-gas conversions will need to be upgraded with chimney liners and make up air. This requirement has to be included in any quote you provide for an oil-to-gas conversion.

Steam Heating Installation

Preparation. The sales person will create the needed material list and give it to the warehouse manager who will assemble all the materials for the installer before the job.

1. The installer must check the estimated work folder to look for any special instructions and cautions.

2. Be aware that on every boiler job there will be a visit by the certified chimney inspector to verify the condition of the chimney liner.

3. Read the instruction sheet for the job and keep it close by for reference during the project.

4. The installer must be sure to enter the house through the correct door. This information will be in the estimated work folder.

5. Cover and protect the client's floors and staircases before moving any equipment in or out of the house.

6. The installer or apprentice organizes all the needed parts on the floor of the work area, taking note that nothing is missing.

Dismantling Old Equipment

1. Before removing the old boiler, the installer will tag the near-boiler piping, noting whether each pipe is a supply or return line. In addition, all wiring should be tagged and identified to assist the electrician on the new installation.

2. The installer will cut the old boiler from the piping. The boiler removal contractor will disassemble the existing boiler and remove it from the premises. At no time is the installer or the apprentice to be involved with the removal. This precaution prevents injuries to the installer or apprentice. A removal contractor is trained and paid to do the job.

3. The installer must take care when draining the system water. Try to have it cool, if possible. It is the system engineer's responsibility to ask the homeowner to shut off the emergency switch that fires the gas burner as early as possible on the morning of the installation.