Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
I'm in need of some boiler advice. We bought a house in NY state 5 years back and it has an oil boiler, which I despise. It's noisy, expensive to fuel and from my limited research it is not particularly efficient. I have tried to get natural gas run to the house, but the utility isn't cooperating and it looks unlikely even though there is gas service less than 50 yards from my house in two directions. Ultimately, I would love to get away from oil, but with gas not likely an option, electric or heat pumps are my only real options. For what it's worth, the current boiler is in fine condition and would likely last another 10-20 years.
So my problem is, there is an indirect water tank tied to the boiler that provides our hot water. Last week, that tank began leaking. As it turns out, the fittings on the coil have started to corrode and the thing needs to be replaced. So I'm forced with making a decision now that will ultimately affect my choices for dealing with the boiler.
I've had a couple companies come out and it looks like I have these options:
A) Commit to oil fuel and replace the current storage tank, upgrade some thermostats and controls which should increase efficiency about 15% - $6,700. I'm told the water storage portion of this setup is extremely efficient.
B) Begin moving away from oil by replacing the tank with an electric or heat pump water heater - $5,500-$8,500 includes all electrical work and permits. Both companies claim these options are not as efficient as the current indirect storage and do not provide as much readily available hot water. Both also steered me away from tankless units as they only last abut 7 years.
C) Replace the boiler and tank right now with a quiet, high efficiency Resolute direct vent oil boiler (can be converted to gas in future) and water tank - $17,500. This set up is 91.3% efficient cutting fuel usage 30-40%
D) Heat pumps. I don't have quotes yet for this and it may be too big of a job for my current timeline. Though we currently have ducts for AC, I'm being told they are too large for this application and would have to be replaced. The current base board heaters also are likely not compatible. But I'm happy to be convinced.
Paging @ChiefD and other experts or homeowners who have faced similar decisions.
So my problem is, there is an indirect water tank tied to the boiler that provides our hot water. Last week, that tank began leaking. As it turns out, the fittings on the coil have started to corrode and the thing needs to be replaced. So I'm forced with making a decision now that will ultimately affect my choices for dealing with the boiler.
I've had a couple companies come out and it looks like I have these options:
A) Commit to oil fuel and replace the current storage tank, upgrade some thermostats and controls which should increase efficiency about 15% - $6,700. I'm told the water storage portion of this setup is extremely efficient.
B) Begin moving away from oil by replacing the tank with an electric or heat pump water heater - $5,500-$8,500 includes all electrical work and permits. Both companies claim these options are not as efficient as the current indirect storage and do not provide as much readily available hot water. Both also steered me away from tankless units as they only last abut 7 years.
C) Replace the boiler and tank right now with a quiet, high efficiency Resolute direct vent oil boiler (can be converted to gas in future) and water tank - $17,500. This set up is 91.3% efficient cutting fuel usage 30-40%
D) Heat pumps. I don't have quotes yet for this and it may be too big of a job for my current timeline. Though we currently have ducts for AC, I'm being told they are too large for this application and would have to be replaced. The current base board heaters also are likely not compatible. But I'm happy to be convinced.
Paging @ChiefD and other experts or homeowners who have faced similar decisions.