Replacing an Aging Oil Furnace

[bdhsfz6]

I'm thinking of replacing my 46 year-old Weil McClain oil furnace. It is still fully functional with no leakage, but I'm concerned about how much longer it will remain that way. I burned wood and coal for most of those 46 years and the furnace was used as a backup, as well as to heat domestic hot water. It was turned off during the summer months when I switched to an electric hot water heater.
I no longer burn coal or wood and am now relying on the old furnace as my primary source of heat. Since it will now be used full time, I'm also concerned about it's relatively low inefficiency rating.

I could replace the burner with a higher efficiency unit but then there is still the aging water jacket to worry about. I chose Weil McClain in 1979 when I built the house for it's excellent longevity rating but I think 45 years is pushing it a bit. I could wait until it breaks down completely but it will likely happen in the middle of winter and I would have no heat source for the duration of the replacement project. To me, it makes sense to pre-emptively do the work during the summer months and also while I'm still able to do the work myself.

There is a confusing array of replacement options available and I'm not sure which way to go at this point. These new high efficiency oil burners that use a 4" PVC vent look interesting, but I don't know much about them. I want to stick with oil since I also use heating oil in my tractors. I have no propane on site and converting would add more expense. Electric heat pump mini splits aren't really an option around here due to our cold climate. People I know who use them here aren't happy with their cold weather performance and wind up supplementing with radiant electric units.

Thanks in advance for any ideas, suggestions or comments.

 

[RustyA]

Eight years ago we installed a hybrid propane forced air system with 18 seer air source heat pump. Heat pump works efficiently down to 30 degrees, then propane takes over. Our local electric co-op gives us a reduced rate of 7.5 cents per kw on both heat and AC which works out to about $1.00 per gallon propane. Plus we get the AC at a reduced rate. We are in Northern WI and it's been a great deal for us. Currently there are some tax credits to help you make the switch that weren't available when we upgraded.

 

[kenmbz]

I have one of the newer , more on demand, type oil burners.
Can go tankless on these ( I couldn't as mine is tied in with solar hot water).
I did opt to have a chimney type versus the pvc one, just as it was more convenient and the difference in efficiency was slight.
It uses about 20% less oil than my old boiler since it does not keep the water at full heat unless you turn on the tap. This boiler so far has not let us run out of hot water and is quicker at providing heat.

I have a particle filter and UV (well water) and so far that has stopped having valve or residue problems. The boiler is tiny and the water jacket is less than three gallons, and is stainless steel.
Pretty standard oil injector/burner unit works fine at less oil/minute than my old burner.
Also much quieter .

Not cheap to replace burners, so choose a company that will back you up. Warranty etc. and support. My installer and the boiler company changed the piping design based on working together based on my solar hot water integration, the company was very responsive and knowledgeable.

 

[D&D]

I'm thinking of replacing my 46 year-old Weil McClain oil furnace. It is still fully functional with no leakage, but I'm concerned about how much longer it will remain that way. I burned wood and coal for most of those 46 years and the furnace was used as a backup, as well as to heat domestic hot water. It was turned off during the summer months when I switched to an electric hot water heater.
I no longer burn coal or wood and am now relying on the old furnace as my primary source of heat. Since it will now be used full time, I'm also concerned about it's relatively low inefficiency rating.

I could replace the burner with a higher efficiency unit but then there is still the aging water jacket to worry about. I chose Weil McClain in 1979 when I built the house for it's excellent longevity rating but I think 45 years is pushing it a bit. I could wait until it breaks down completely but it will likely happen in the middle of winter and I would have no heat source for the duration of the replacement project. To me, it makes sense to pre-emptively do the work during the summer months and also while I'm still able to do the work myself.

There is a confusing array of replacement options available and I'm not sure which way to go at this point. These new high efficiency oil burners that use a 4" PVC vent look interesting, but I don't know much about them. I want to stick with oil since I also use heating oil in my tractors. I have no propane on site and converting would add more expense. Electric heat pump mini splits aren't really an option around here due to our cold climate. People I know who use them here aren't happy with their cold weather performance and wind up supplementing with radiant electric units.

Thanks in advance for any ideas, suggestions or comments.

Sealed combustion (2 ,air in/exhaust out, PVC pipes) offers higher efficiency. A decent source to look at;

Furnaces and Boilers

Most Americans heat their homes with a furnace or boiler, and high-efficiency models of all types of furnaces and boilers are available. Is it time...

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