My sense is to go with the 40 gal gas heater. Since it's more common
equipment, it will cost less than the indirect. And it will be more
easily serviced, since more plumbers have worked on ordinary NG
heaters.

As to the cost of fuel, I don't know. However, a coal unit converted
to oil is not likely to be energy efficient. Even if it's in good
shape.

--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

"Recruiter" wrote in message
oups.com...
I live in the northeast. We are landlords of a multi unit apartment.
Currently, oil is going to be going up to $3.00 to $3.20 per gal. The
local gas co is charging $1.55 per Therm. Most of the house uses gas
for heat and hot water, each paying their own usage. The 1st floor
uses oil for heat and hot water, which we pay for. It is occupied by
a
family of 5, which uses between 1000-1200 gal of oil per year. I turn
the heat off after the heating season, leaving the furnace running for
the hot water. The furnace is an old American Severn converted coal to
oil burning unit, which my oil co tells me is in very good condition
for its age. The burner is a Blue Angel Model HS. I don't know the
efficiency of it. It is a forced hot water/radiator system.
The hot water, currently runs off a small tankless unit, which does
tend to run out of hot water on them frequently. It is showing signs
of possible leaking, so I need to do something.
My 2 options to bypass the tankless a 1. Continue using the
furnace,
and installing a 30gal stainless steel indirect water heater, or 2.
Install a 40 gal gas water heater, which would allow me to shut down
the furnace completely, during the non-use period. According to my
info, both heaters would suffice for the amount of usage needed.
Which
would be most cost effective, short and long term? Thank you.