I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...

I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

This concerns fire safety. You can get specific information
(usually without charge) from the municipal building permits
office and/or the local fire brigade.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

I have no info for you, but I can guess that the first two questions
you're going to get here a
What kind of heating do you have now?
What sort of chimney do you have?

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Could be BS as many conversions have been done over the years. If you have
an old heater, it may be a poor choice. If you get a new heater, it will be
more efficient and no chimney needed.

On May 3, 8:26*am, Larry Fishel wrote:
I have no info for you, but I can guess that the first two questions
you're going to get here a
What kind of heating do you have now?
What sort of chimney do you have?

+1 to that.

But in general it sounds like BS to me. Any heating
system you buy today is going to be a lot more
efficient than the one it replaces. And that should
mean cooler exhaust temps, not higher ones.
With a high efficiency condensing system, the
exhaust gases are so cool that 1 1/2" or 3" PVC
pipe is used to vent the unit directly outside
without a chimney.

Now it's entirely possible that he could have a
crap chimney that is in such a sorry state that
it won't pass inspection. That would prevent
any new unit, oil or gas from being installed.

Sounds backwards. I'd call two more companies, for their opinions. Don't
mention what the first company said.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall class-B
metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney. A masonry
chimney could be used if it was lined, water would condense out of the gas
exhaust and damage unlined mortar joints until it leaked through to the
outside.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe. Don't listen
to the idiot who told you that, ask people who know the real answer, and can
give you solutions.

On 5/3/2012 9:31 AM, EXT wrote:

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall class-B
metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney. A masonry
chimney could be used if it was lined, water would condense out of the
gas exhaust and damage unlined mortar joints until it leaked through to
the outside.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe. Don't
listen to the idiot who told you that, ask people who know the real
answer, and can give you solutions.


+1

Most brand new gas condensing furnaces exhaust out thru 4 " plastic pipe
(636 it's called), rated for 65 C, not sure what that is in F. Chimneys
are no longer required for high efficiency furnaces, and to honest, are
they still allowed to sell furnaces under 92 AFUE where you are because
they are not. My gas exhaust pipe just runs along some floor joists and
out the wall for a total 20' run.

These days gas furnace exhausts alot more steam than anything else.

There may be government rebates in your area regarding furnace
replacement. Research them.

Sounds like you got to find some more guys in your area who can give you
several options.

I hope you will reply back with some additional information regarding what
type of heating system you have now (such as steam, hot water, or hot air --
if steam, one-pipe or two-pipe radiator system), how many BTU's your heater
and hot water heater are, what diameter connector pipes go into your present
chimney, and what type of chimney you have now.


Bruce K. wrote:
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

On 5/3/2012 5:34 AM, Bruce K. wrote:
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

So you switch to a high-efficiency gas furnace that vents out the wall
and bypasses the chimney entirely. That's how high-efficiency gas
furnaces work.

Before I switched to a high-efficiency furnace, the installer for the
prior gas furnace expressed some doubts about the heat integrity of my
chimney. He installed a liner in it. Problem solved.

There you go - two solutions that let you get what you want.

On 5/3/2012 5:34 AM, Bruce K. wrote:
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

You can always have the installer put a liner in the chimney.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

On May 3, 8:26*am, Larry Fishel wrote:
I have no info for you, but I can guess that the first two questions
you're going to get here a
What kind of heating do you have now?
What sort of chimney do you have?

My bad. I failed to note the title of the thread...

EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle of trying
to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my situation and
questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency direct-vent
system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe steam radiator
heating system. They don't make high efficiency direct-vent steam boilers
and changing over to a hot water system wouldn't work because I have
one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

On Thu, 03 May 2012 06:34:16 -0400, Bruce K.
wrote:

I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce
Two words - BEE ESS.
You can ALWAYS go to a chimney-less condensing gas system that
exhausts through the wall, just above ground level, with a 2 inch pipe
that never gets hot enough to soften, or even be uncomfortably warm if
touched.

On Thu, 3 May 2012 06:53:21 -0400, "Don Phillipson"
wrote:

"Bruce K." wrote in message
.. .

I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

This concerns fire safety. You can get specific information
(usually without charge) from the municipal building permits
office and/or the local fire brigade.
If it is good enough for an old oil furnace, adding a stainless
steel liner pipe will definitely make it safe for gas, heat-wize.

On Thu, 3 May 2012 05:47:54 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

On May 3, 8:26Â*am, Larry Fishel wrote:
I have no info for you, but I can guess that the first two questions
you're going to get here a
What kind of heating do you have now?
What sort of chimney do you have?

+1 to that.

But in general it sounds like BS to me. Any heating
system you buy today is going to be a lot more
efficient than the one it replaces. And that should
mean cooler exhaust temps, not higher ones.
With a high efficiency condensing system, the
exhaust gases are so cool that 1 1/2" or 3" PVC
pipe is used to vent the unit directly outside
without a chimney.

Now it's entirely possible that he could have a
crap chimney that is in such a sorry state that
it won't pass inspection. That would prevent
any new unit, oil or gas from being installed.
Unless it didn't need the chimney, as stated above.

On Thu, 3 May 2012 15:23:24 -0400, "TomR" wrote:

EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle of trying
to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my situation and
questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency direct-vent
system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe steam radiator
heating system. They don't make high efficiency direct-vent steam boilers
and changing over to a hot water system wouldn't work because I have
one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

OK - a totally different situation. You wanted to convert your BURNER
from oil to gas. Chimney liner.

wrote:
On Thu, 3 May 2012 15:23:24 -0400, "TomR" wrote:

EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle
of trying to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my
situation and questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency
direct-vent system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe
steam radiator heating system. They don't make high efficiency
direct-vent steam boilers and changing over to a hot water system
wouldn't work because I have one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

OK - a totally different situation. You wanted to convert your BURNER
from oil to gas. Chimney liner.

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to communicate. In my case, I
already have a gas burner for the steam heat, and I wasn't looking to
convert from oil to gas. I was just pointing out to the OP (who apparently
posted his/her original post and never returned to read the replies) that
depending on the type of heating system, it may or may not be practical to
try to convert to a high efficiency direct-vent system. And, yes, in my
case lining the chimney and adding B-vent on top looks like it is going to
be my best option to solve my chimney issues.

"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Most likely not from the heat but from the moisture

Also modern high-efficiency gas furnaces will shove less heat up a chimney
an old, less efficient, oil furnace.
Why not look at a high performance gas furnace that does NOT need a chimney
and has both vent and air intake to the side of the house ?

On Fri, 4 May 2012 12:05:22 -0500, "Attila.Iskander"
wrote:


"Bruce K." wrote in message
.. .
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Most likely not from the heat but from the moisture

Right, particularly if the chimney is on an exterior wall.

Also modern high-efficiency gas furnaces will shove less heat up a chimney
an old, less efficient, oil furnace.

Not even that. When I converted from oil to gas (same unit, different burner)
they would have required a SS liner had the chimney not been in the center of
the house. The idea is that if the chimney is not on an exterior wall it'll
stay warm, so won't condense the excess water caused by burning gas.

Why not look at a high performance gas furnace that does NOT need a chimney
and has both vent and air intake to the side of the house ?

Good plan, or just throw a liner in the chimney. It's not *that* expensive. A
condensing unit is a better plan all around, IMO.

"TomR" wrote:
EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle of trying
to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my situation and
questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency direct-vent
system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe steam radiator
heating system. They don't make high efficiency direct-vent steam boilers
and changing over to a hot water system wouldn't work because I have
one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

Steam heat. Real boiler.

There is a way to extract additional heat, just like the hot air furnace
works, additional hot air heat extractor. You would need at least one
complete air ducting.
With steam the heat coming out of the chimney is going to be around 210
degrees or higher, if it's boiling.

Greg

"gregz" wrote in message
...
"TomR" wrote:
EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle of
trying
to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my situation and
questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency direct-vent
system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe steam radiator
heating system. They don't make high efficiency direct-vent steam
boilers
and changing over to a hot water system wouldn't work because I have
one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

Steam heat. Real boiler.

There is a way to extract additional heat, just like the hot air furnace
works, additional hot air heat extractor. You would need at least one
complete air ducting.
With steam the heat coming out of the chimney is going to be around 210
degrees or higher, if it's boiling.


On might want to pump that through a heat exchanger to a large water tank.
There must be a way to save and use those calories being wasted up the
chimney.

On Sat, 5 May 2012 18:35:02 -0500, "Attila.Iskander"
wrote:


"gregz" wrote in message
...
"TomR" wrote:
EXT wrote:
"Bruce K." wrote in message
...
I was told that I couldn't convert my heating system to gas because

"my chimney won't tolerate the exaust heat"

I would appreciate any opinion on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

Gas runs cooler than oil. In the past gas required a double wall
class-B metal chimney and oil required an insulated class-A chimney.
A masonry chimney could be used if it was lined. . . . ,

Speaking of class B (or Type B) metal chimneys, I am in the middle of
trying
to get one figured out. I'll post a new thread about my situation and
questions.

Now gas condensing furnaces/boilers need only a plastic pipe.

I my case, I couldn't change my boiler to a high efficiency direct-vent
system without a huge expense because I have a one-pipe steam radiator
heating system. They don't make high efficiency direct-vent steam
boilers
and changing over to a hot water system wouldn't work because I have
one-pipe (not two-pipe) radiators now.

Steam heat. Real boiler.

There is a way to extract additional heat, just like the hot air furnace
works, additional hot air heat extractor. You would need at least one
complete air ducting.
With steam the heat coming out of the chimney is going to be around 210
degrees or higher, if it's boiling.


On might want to pump that through a heat exchanger to a large water tank.
There must be a way to save and use those calories being wasted up the
chimney.

One of the reasons real "steam" heat is virtually extinct today.