Help! any converts to propane heat from oil~

Descant · 09-10-2019, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Another option may be mini spilts with heat/ac. Just had a four head system installed this past summer. Works great. Just a thought

Do these systems qualify for federal energy credits? And what about back up power? A relative built a super efficient house, but had to have electric backup heat to get a CO. She was told she'd need a 20 KW standby generator so she skipped that. When she lost power the house stayed plenty warm, but she had no generator, so no water, showers, etc. Always happy to share a shower with a damsel in distress. OK. OK. Bad phrase. Leave it alone.
My house is 1977 also, I'm the original owner, marinewife. I've replaced the furnace at least once, and each time, the efficiency improves. I have propane for the cooktop and the generator. I do not believe I own the tank, which was installed in 2004, same as the generator.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

TheTimeTraveler · 09-10-2019, 06:33 PM

Not sure how deep you want to get into this project, but using propane gas likely can be expanded to take care of your cook stove, your washing machine, your hot water, and your fireplace.....

It certainly is cleaner than oil, no issues with leaking or dripping oil tanks, and using it for laundry and cooking is cheaper than using 220 Volts.

DickR · 09-10-2019, 06:59 PM

A house built in 1977 certainly is a good candidate for a thorough air-sealing and insulation upgrade job. Selection of fuel for heating the house is only part of your task. Reducing the heat load will pay off handsomely with either oil or propane, and the house also will be more comfortable to live in, with fewer drafty spots.

Sue Doe-Nym · 09-10-2019, 07:05 PM

Our house is about the same vintage as yours (‘70s), and at that time, most houses had electric heat because it was going to be cleaner and cheaper. Ha! Not cheaper. A previous owner had propane installed. When we bought in 99, we had White Mtn. install a 500 gallon underground tank, which THEY owned. About 5 years ago, we switched to Amerigas because they offered a much better price for the propane. Amerigas worked out the switch and we were never charged for the tank. I believe this is common practice between propane companies. We like propane heat better than oil, and we occasionally use the electric heat, set on low, as backup when we’re away in case the furnace decides to quit, which it never has. Hope this helps. My original point was that you should not have to pay for the tank.

WinnisquamZ · 09-10-2019, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Do these systems qualify for federal energy credits? And what about back up power? A relative built a super efficient house, but had to have electric backup heat to get a CO. She was told she'd need a 20 KW standby generator so she skipped that. When she lost power the house stayed plenty warm, but she had no generator, so no water, showers, etc. Always happy to share a shower with a damsel in distress. OK. OK. Bad phrase. Leave it alone.

My house is 1977 also, I'm the original owner, marinewife. I've replaced the furnace at least once, and each time, the efficiency improves. I have propane for the cooktop and the generator. I do not believe I own the tank, which was installed in 2004, same as the generator.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

We did get a rebate with the unit. The efficiency is greater then traditional heat and ac units. Electric bill for AC cut in half this past summer. Like most other systems no power no heat.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

ITD · 09-10-2019, 10:35 PM

More details would be helpful, but in general every time I've done this analysis oil wins out cost wise, plus you are already set up so you shouldn't need a new tank. Again, more details would help, like what type of system is it and what type of house to start. Also what is wrong with the present system and why wasn't it caught before you bought? A second opinion may be in order.

Irish mist · 09-11-2019, 02:39 AM

I understand that the horse is out of the barn, but why did your home inspection not catch something this serious? Strogens said you need a new system or fix things that are wrong? Which is it?

I agree with ITD...get a second opinion.

If the system needs replacing I like propane & though slightly more expensive than oil, I would go with it.

09-10-2019, 06:33 PM	#2
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 898 Thanks: 283 Thanked 291 Times in 181 Posts	Not sure how deep you want to get into this project, but using propane gas likely can be expanded to take care of your cook stove, your washing machine, your hot water, and your fireplace..... It certainly is cleaner than oil, no issues with leaking or dripping oil tanks, and using it for laundry and cooking is cheaper than using 220 Volts.

09-10-2019, 06:59 PM	#3
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 755 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 Posts	A house built in 1977 certainly is a good candidate for a thorough air-sealing and insulation upgrade job. Selection of fuel for heating the house is only part of your task. Reducing the heat load will pay off handsomely with either oil or propane, and the house also will be more comfortable to live in, with fewer drafty spots.

09-10-2019, 07:05 PM	#4
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,435 Thanks: 751 Thanked 792 Times in 415 Posts	Our house is about the same vintage as yours (‘70s), and at that time, most houses had electric heat because it was going to be cleaner and cheaper. Ha! Not cheaper. A previous owner had propane installed. When we bought in 99, we had White Mtn. install a 500 gallon underground tank, which THEY owned. About 5 years ago, we switched to Amerigas because they offered a much better price for the propane. Amerigas worked out the switch and we were never charged for the tank. I believe this is common practice between propane companies. We like propane heat better than oil, and we occasionally use the electric heat, set on low, as backup when we’re away in case the furnace decides to quit, which it never has. Hope this helps. My original point was that you should not have to pay for the tank.

The Following User Says Thank You to Sue Doe-Nym For This Useful Post:
WinnisquamZ (09-10-2019)

The Following User Says Thank You to WinnisquamZ For This Useful Post:
Descant (09-10-2019)

09-10-2019, 10:35 PM	#6
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,936 Thanks: 478 Thanked 695 Times in 390 Posts	More details would be helpful, but in general every time I've done this analysis oil wins out cost wise, plus you are already set up so you shouldn't need a new tank. Again, more details would help, like what type of system is it and what type of house to start. Also what is wrong with the present system and why wasn't it caught before you bought? A second opinion may be in order.

09-11-2019, 02:39 AM	#7
Irish mist Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 686 Thanks: 128 Thanked 85 Times in 49 Posts	I understand that the horse is out of the barn, but why did your home inspection not catch something this serious? Strogens said you need a new system or fix things that are wrong? Which is it? I agree with ITD...get a second opinion. If the system needs replacing I like propane & though slightly more expensive than oil, I would go with it.