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Message |
    
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 33
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 7:46 pm: | 
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We're moving into a new home. The oil tank was underground but due to leakage issues was removed and a new one was put in the basement. Apparently it's a much smaller tank, but I haven't seen it yet.
We really wanted to convert to gas instead of dealing with the new tank but couldn't negotiate that into the contract.
Additionally, we'd like to finish our basement, but don't think there's enough room with the oil tank down there so we're considering converting to gas in advance of the basement project. But since all cost time and money, we're really trying to weigh our options.
All that being said, I was hoping for some info on converting oil to gas (we have a gas line that runs to the house already). What's the approx cost and time involved? Is this something that can be done while we're living in the house? Those that have done it, are you happy you did?
Thanks for your opinions.
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Shannon OReilly
Citizen
Username: Soreilly
Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 7:57 pm: |
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We had a plumber come out and give us an estimate about 7 months ago. We were quoted roughly $3000- that was assuming an empty oil tank- and that the job would take approx. a day or two (depending on when we did the conversion). We have yet to move forward, but will probably do so before the winter... |
Daniel M. Jacobs, PP, AICP
Supporter
Username: Conrail
Post Number: 110
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 10:00 pm: |
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First, you have to make sure the gas line is large enough to supply the potential heating system. If so, the job is much easier. I think out conversion (forced air, not steam) cost $6000. It was done by AIR GROUP in Livingston, NJ. The whole job was completed in one day, including removal of the tank and capping the feed pipe. I would recommend doing a conversion before you sign an oil contract (and the former owner's oil dealer will be contacting you a few weeks after you move in . . .). But if your oil system is working OK, you may just want to wait for it to "age out" before buying a gas system. We use Mitchell Supreme for the first few years and were very happy with them and their service . . . |
Dennis J O'Neill
Citizen
Username: Plungy
Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 11:57 pm: |
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FCG, You will probably have to have someone come out and look. There are many variables with a job like this that may effect the price. Most of us in the trade will provide a free estimate for a heating system installation. This time of year is traditionally a little slower in the trade so you may do better price-wise by having it done now. Call a pro with references and ask to see photos of thier installations to get a feel for neatness and straitness of piping. Ask about extras like auto water feeds, digital programmable thermostats ect. $3000.00, probably not gonna happen with a reputable guy, especially with a tank removal. Good luck! |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 36
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 7:20 am: |
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What do you mean by "age out" Daniel? I know it's a brand new tank. Are there other factors (like the pipes) that contribute to aging out?
Thanks for all your input everyone.
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Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11227
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 7:37 am: |
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I think Daniel is talking about the boiler, not the tank or piping.
If you have a newer boiler it may be able to be converted to gas, which keeps the price down. However, usually if you are converting you "might as well" replace the boiler as well for efficiency reasons. In home improvements it is the "mioght as wells" that get you.  |
Daniel M. Jacobs, PP, AICP
Supporter
Username: Conrail
Post Number: 111
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 8:42 am: |
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The "brand-new" tank probably cost $300. So tossing it in the garbage three days after purchasing it is not a big deal (relatively speaking). But your furnace and boiler may have 10 years of life in it (or more). So if it heats the house and rarely breaks-down (or fills the house with smoke, etc.), why not keep it? When you start to have problems with the existing system, you replace it with the gas system. That is what we did. After the third night of heat failure in a month, I nursed it through to early April and replaced it. My oil company ended up getting to keep $400 worth of oil that I had purchased with intent to use. In the two weeks before the scheduled replacement, I set the heat to 76 degrees and burned as much as I could . . . |
Shannon OReilly
Citizen
Username: Soreilly
Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 8:58 am: |
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We were quoted that price from Fischetti Plumbing.....they seem to have a good reputation and came out to give us the estimate within a day or two of us calling. Let me know if you'd like the number and I'll get it for you. Good luck! |
SOSully
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 1234
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 9:18 am: |
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Isn't gas more expensive than oil these days? |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 37
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 12:16 pm: |
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While I have your attention on the issue (I feel so lucky to have this resource!)...do I need to be any more concerned for safety issues with young children around an oil tank than I do around the furnace, et al.? Or any issues with the tank in the house?
I've never lived in a house with oil, and def. not a tank in the house. The laundry is down in the basement and I'm just wondering what I need to be watchful of with young kids around.
Thanks! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4286
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 9:23 pm: |
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We just switched from an underground oil tank to two small basement tanks. They are in a separate area (will eventually have a door) near the furnace and water heater. My husband researched it extensively and since our furnace runs very efficiently we decided to stick with oil. Not sure if this is true, but I was told you can put a match to it and it will go out. (I have no intention on testing that out.) We have three young kids and I feel perfectly safe with it. |
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