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Ed Pawlowski Ed Pawlowski is offline
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Default Replace oil heating but keep boiler


"lakeshow" wrote in message
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Hi there,

I own a duplex that has hydronic heating with an oil-fired boiler. The
problem is that there is a single oil tank for the whole duplex, and as
the owner (living in the lower duplex) I have no control over how much
tenants (living in the upper duplex) consume in terms of heating. The
boiler is relatively new and I would hate to have to replace it, but I am
looking for a way to separate the heating either switching to gas or
electric, so that each living unit is independent.
Does anyone know if this can be done without replacing the boiler?

Any ideas would be appreciated.


Not being able to see how the setup is, it is not possible to say for sure,
but most likely it can be separated. Given enough time and money, most
anything like that can be done.

Assuming each has a completely different zone piping, those pipes can be
re-routed to another smaller boiler. Does each have a separate how water
supply too?

Electric heat will most likely require an upgrade on the service to 200A if
you have less. It is also expensive to operate in most areas. Gas service
may or may not be expensive but utility companies often offer deals for
conversions or new customers.

Including the cost of heat int he lease can be risky if people abuse the use
of heat, but it will cost thousands to add a new boiler and associated
piping. Could be a long payback. Your old boiler may have to be de-rated
also if you reduce the load considerably.