Retrofit oil burner with LP?


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Old 11-20-01, 12:56 PM
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Old 04-26-05, 02:50 AM
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Retrofit oil burner with LP?

We have an underground oil tank and our current oil company is discontinuing the insurance on the tank - for leaks, etc for environmental cleanup. This, with the increased cost of oil has us thinking about going with LP. Can we convert our existing boiler or do we need to replace it? Also, we have friends who just built a new house and buried their LP tank? Is this safe? How does the cost of LP compare with oil? Our burner is super efficient and our house newer and and very insulated - we are heating 3700 sf for about $1200 per year - that was at $1.49/gal!
Thanks!
 
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Old 04-26-05, 03:10 PM
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oil to LP conversion

Some downsides here. (1) Some oil fired boilers are not approved for use with gas. (2) You would problably have to line the chimney. (3) There are ±90,000 btu's/gallon of LP where oil has ±140,000 btu's/gallon. Presuming the same price per gallon & no loss of efficiency it will cost you 50% more to use LP because to get the same amount of heat you will have to burn 50% more gallons of LP. Compare prices of each fuel in your area.
I suggest installing an above ground or better yet basement oil tank.
Check with local code officials regarding removal or abandonment of your underground tank if that is what you are planning to do.
 
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Old 04-28-05, 11:17 AM
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I tried to post almost the exact response as Grady a few days ago but the Gas gods may have intercepted my message. I don't think LP gas will be a bargain either. Go for the inside tank if you insist on replacing the tank. Not having tank insurance won't make your existing tank leak.

Ken
 
 

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