Fuel Type Conversions

In New York City and much of the surrounding area, the infrastructure for natural gas systems is robust and efficient. Switching to gas means no more waiting for the oil refill trucks to arrive. Rather than paying upfront for your oil, you can pay for gas as needed. Generally, oil boiler systems take up more space in a building. Conversions to a gas system can create additional space in boiler rooms for safety and efficiency. This is especially true when building owners switch to wall-mounted condensers. Oil burners also require more maintenance throughout a year, including soot cleaning. Gas systems also release fewer pollutants into the air. Oil to gas conversions can drop a building’s carbon emissions by about 35%. You may also be able to file for a tax credit in your state for gas conversion. Oil-to-gas conversions include the following steps:

• Submitting load letters to Con Edison or other gas provider
• Meeting with gas provider to determine points of entry
• Assessing, modifying, or replacing existing burner components
• Installation of sleeves and running of all necessary gas piping and house swingover piping to facilitate new gas service
• Installation of high and low pressure gas meter sets and services
• Construction of gas meter rooms
• Installation of gas boosters
• Chimney scans to determine whether your chimney is capable of handling flue gases
• Installation of chimney liners when deemed necessary
• Installation of all safety controls and alarms
• Firing new equipment and efficiency testing
• All filings with proper governing agencies
• Meeting with Inspectors to obtain permits and sign-offs

While oil is more energy-dense, newer gas systems are more energy efficient. This means that a modern gas system can provide better heat output per unit of fuel. Gas boilers are also more precise in their heating of water, and can provide a wider range of temperature settings. Furthermore, condensing gas boilers can condense leftover exhaust heat, making the system even more efficient.

Dual Fuel burners operate with both oil and gas. For some buildings, it is recommended to install a dual fuel system while undergoing an oil-to-gas conversion. This helps you keep systems running throughout the conversion process. These systems can also act as a backup if needed.

Champion Combustion is a qualified installer of the latest technology in dual fuel burner control management. We now install Industrial Combustion burners with Siemens LMV5 Linkageless Burner Management Systems. These systems allow us to set multiple, digitally set points for maximum efficiency at each point. Separate points are set for operation on both natural gas and oil, making switching fuels as simple as a flip of a switch.

Not every building owner wants to switch off from oil. But, there are still ways to improve your system and its energy efficiency. Oil grade conversions update and replace your current heating system with one that uses a more energy efficient fuel. Cleaner, more efficient fuels can require less soot cleanup and repair maintenance. Legislation in New York City is also guiding building owners to move up the oil grade scale over time to help reduce pollutants in the city. #6 grade oil is no longer permitted in NYC, so many buildings are converting to #4 or #2 grade oil systems. If you are using a lower grade fuel, there may also be tax credit incentives to convert to a higher grade. Oil grade conversions include the following steps:

• Dismantling and removing the primary oil preheater
• Removal of remaining oil from the oil tank
• Pressure testing of the oil tank
• Thorough cleaning of oil tank for the new fuel type
• Reconfiguration of the oil piping to manufacturer’s specifications
• Installation of anti-syphon valve and shutoff valve on oil suction lines
• Installing proper filters on the oil lines
• Firing and adjusting the equipment on the new oil to maximize efficiency
• All necessary filings and sign-offs with New York City governing bodies