Oil to Gas boiler conversation

5 years ago

I live in CT and I am considering switching over from oil to gas as a way to increase the house value. Is it a good idea?
I will be putting the house on the market in a year or two depending oh how long it takes me find a house.
I have a 33 year oil boiler that currently run the baseboard heat and hot water. It runs fine right now with no issue. I had put in a new coil few years ago.
There is gas line on the street but not in the house. The the gas company will put the line in for free if I convert the hot water and heat. I am really conflicted on what to do next.
I have have several contractors that have recommended the high efficiency gas combi-boiler. I have had others that have questioned the reliability of the combi boiler and recommended staying with oil. I do know any one around me who has a combi boiler. My house is 1800 sf with 2 bathrooms.
Here what I think what my options are:
1. Don't do anything. I am assuming the boiler will be flagged during the house inspection when I go to sell it and I will deal with it at the time.
1. Stay with oil and replace with another oil boiler ~$8000
2. Switch to gas and install a combi boiler. ~$10000
3. Switch to gas and install a regular gas boiler with a separate hot water tank. I will have to vent through the chimney and most likely need a liner. ~$13000
Looking for an option that would provide the most piece of mind. Thoughts?

Featured Answer

mike_home

5 years ago

If were planning on living in the house another 5 - 10 years, then making the conversion to gas would make sense. But if you are already planning on moving then you will not see a return in investment in my opinion. If the oil burner and boiler are working well then there should be no issue. You could get an opinion from a realtor as to how much more you could ask for your house if you did the conversion.

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Comments (8)

Seabornman
5 years ago
When I switched my boiler I went with a boiler that only required a pvc flue that was run through the rim joist of the first floor framing. I don't remember the efficiency but it was either 90 or 95%. Hot water was via an indirect tank on its own zone. It worked well.

Why do you think your oil boiler will be flagged? If it's legal and in good shape I don't see how you'll get a return on a new system. I wouldn't have replaced mine but rebates were very good at that time
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tigerdunes
5 years ago
I agree with Mike...while a gas boiler would help sell the house, I don‘t think that‘s worth it. You might structure your asking price with an incentive because of the oil boiler. Discuss with your realtor...Just an idea...good luck!...
fsq4cw
5 years ago
I’d speak with a real estate agent regarding what type of system buyers prefer to see and what they will walk away from. I’m in a different market from yours. I’ve heard of realtors not wanting to take on any property that has oil due to the problems, liabilities and buyers not wanting oil.

That said, in your position if doing nothing is a viable option, that’s what I would do and deal with it in a negotiated sale price. The other discussion to have with a real estate agent is the likelihood of a purchaser wanting to have a soil test performed to determine if there ever was an oil leak, a lender might require this as well. Depending where you live, if the answer is yes then you might have BIG problems that are expensive and would delay the sale of your property.

Getting rid of the oil system and installing gas would likely negate that situation altogether in that oil would not be seen at all.

Have a conversation with a real estate agent and a building inspector concerning oil, particularly oil tanks, speak with an insurance broker as well. You might even consider having your own inspection done on your property that you can hand to a real estate agent or a perspective buyer.

Being in the HVAC business I have an entire file going back many years just on oil problems with many pictures of excavations that would scare the HELL out of most people.

IMPO

SR
Prashant Damania
Original Author
5 years ago
The reason I was thinking the boiler will get flagged was because of the age of boiler being 33 years. The oil tank is above ground in the basement so the leak is not a concern. I will also discuss with my realtor to see what the options are.

Any thoughts on the combi-boiler?
fsq4cw
5 years ago
“Any thoughts on the combi-boiler?”

Properly sized, installed and setup, a ‘Combi-Boiler’ should be a good choice.

IMPO

SR
mike_home
5 years ago
The combination boilers are nice when you need to fit into a tight space. You would have to find a contractor who is an experienced installer. You might be better off keeping it simple by and install a separate boiler and gas hot water heater.

Another option if the boiler is in good shape is to do a oil to gas burner conversion. The efficiency would be be as high as a new boiler but the installation cost would be much less. For a little more money you could also install a basic 40 gallon hot water heater and not have to operate the boiler in the summer months. You would be converted to gas with the smallest up front investment.
sktn77a
5 years ago
"I have a 33 year oil boiler that currently run the baseboard heat and hot water. It runs fine right now with no issue. I had put in a new coil few years ago."

Another vote to leave it alone.