I have a possible house customer I am trying to please but may not be able to. She insists on heating a new home with oil fired heat/boiler. Normally, I would comply even though it’s not my favorite type system
The problem here is it’s in a development I own that features very high efficiency, super insulated patio homes ranging in size from 12-1450 sq.ft. They only require 15-20,000 btu systems, have natural gas at each lot, and no basement to place a tank in.
She is sure that natural gas will kill her, as she has a poor sense of smell, and supposedly nearly died of gas poisoning years ago. I have explained that there are detectors available, that there aren’t any oil boilers small enough for this type house, etc., etc. I also tried to sell her electric/hot water type baseboard heaters, which with our construction would still operate very reasonably. No go!
Is anyone aware of any small, possibly modulating type oil fired boilers on the market? I’d still have to find a location for a tank, maybe in the garage. Hate to loose a sale in this slow market, but if I do oil, it’s got to be very efficient.
Replies
I would think there should be a high efficiency oil fired unit available. Maybe contact or research the Oil Heat Institute (OHI) ... maybe they can help you out. You should be able to find a comparable oil unit to gas that should serve her well. Have you talked to your local HVAC contractor for suggestions/options in oil heat?
I have talked to both local suppliers and my hvac sub. Neither is aware of anything this small. I am ideally looking for a size in the range of 20-30,000 btu's. I'll keep looking.
That sounds like the Monitor and Rinnai lines of space heaters
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Head on over to http://www.heatinghelp.com and click on questions. Then submit your question.
The solution might be something resulting from thinking outside the box.
Heat pump?
Geothermal?
Oil fired hot water heater, used for heat? (short life tho)
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
I did some research into this for my sister ( except she has a steam system). Check this list if you have not done so http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/prod_lists/boilers_prod_list.pdf
Wallyo
Edited 10/2/2008 6:00 pm ET by wallyo
Thanks for the input. I'm going to check out the Peerless line of high efficiency units. Over 90% and around 65-70,000 btu's.
The list is nice but the problem becomes is it available in your area, is there a dealer. does it need to be special ordered all of that then is there someone around to service it. I hope it helps with your future client.Wallyo
Actually, the distributor is within about 20 miles, so I'll look into it further.
Also where would the boiler go in the garage? Unlike a forced air system there is little chance of carbon dioxide getting in the house. Education is your best sell in this case, maybe a sit down with you her and your heating contractor is your best bet, educate her to put her fears to rest.
Wallyo