Oil Furnace?

LSCmuscle

New member
After a few different deals on houses fell apart, I think I may have come across the right one... only problem is the furnace. Natural gas stops about a 1/4 - 1/2 mile down the road so that's most likely not an option, and I haven't the slightest clue about oil burning furnaces. The unit does seem to be fairly new, but the horror stories I've read of filling a house with soot and diesel smells have me leary.

Does anyone have any experience with these furnaces? Assuming natural gas isnt available, would converting it to propane be my best option or just a new efficient oil furnace? I know propane/gas furnaces are more efficient, but oil gives off the highest BTUs and the price of oil is fairly cheap right now.

Any and all advice is welcome.
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
I've worked with one at an ex girlfriend's house and wouldn't really call it a show stopper. She did have the "fill the house with soot" thing happen once, but it was a single event that was undoubtedly due to a lack of maintenance. Just budget for professional servicing right after buying the house, (or find some documentation on-line and do it yourself) and I suspect it will work very reliably. This one always ran like a top. During regular operation, there was no smell (or soot) at all.

I think I'd still consider swapping it out for an LP unit as the long-term plan, particularly if you have something like hot-water heat. The modern LP (or natural gas) boilers are smaller, simpler, and quieter than any oil burner I've ever seen.
 

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
If you are serious about the house pay to have it inspected, not by a home inspector but by an oil furnace guy. Or get the furnace info and look for information on line.
 

ONLYTONY

New member
I almost bought a house with an oil boiler. The main gas line was already in the street right in front of the house, 30'-50' out. $7000, for the gas co to hook it up, and $7000 for the town. I moved on. Oil always has a smell, and the co has to keep bringing more, and the price changes often. If you can't get nat gas, I'd look into propane.
 

LSCmuscle

New member
I was quoted at roughly 4k for a 97% efficient furnace and install. They also said more than likely a propane company will bring out the tank and run the main line for free as long as they get my business. Not sure if that's completely true, but if it is that'll be one of the first things done... still waiting to hear if they've accepted my offer.
 

ONLYTONY

New member
$4K sounds good. I put out about $1500 just for valves, regulators, all the do hickeys to make it code. Make sure the furnace BTU's match the house. Check on line about that 97%. My neighbor had an energy survey done and they said his unit was 95%, and it's only 50 years old, same unit I used to have, and I'd guess 30%, it ran all the time to keep up with the cold.
 

LSCmuscle

New member
Offer was accepted, should be all ours by the end of September provided the inspection/appraisal come back good.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 

LSCmuscle

New member
It's big enough for at least 3 cars possibly 4... not sure of the exact dimensions at the moment, but I think it's 24x32. The sellers use to use it as a hanger for their airplane (has a huge custom door).

Hopefully I can get them to sell the 40x60 custom pole barn and extra acreage down the road. They currently store Model Ts and other goodies in it.
 
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