Back when Natural Gas became available, depending on towns and neighborhoods (1960-1995) most homes were heated with fuel oil. A conversion burner essentially allows a fuel oil fired furnace and boilers to work with natural gas.
Some of the oil furnaces & boilers at the time were quite new, and the utility often subsidized the cost of a conversion burner.
Fast forward to today, why are conversion burners still a thing? For the most part, the life some of these units has exceeded its intended lifespan 3 times overs.
Why change now you ask? Well lets start with the easy one. Energy costs are increasing year to year. That conversion burner that was installed during those time periods are 76% efficient at best. New High Efficiency boilers and furnaces are 90-96% efficient. That averages about a 20% savings for switch to a new heating system.
Parts! Most of the conversion burner companies are gone, as well as their part inventory. Don’t get us wrong, they still make conversion burners, however their cost is about the same as a new furnace or boiler defeating any reason why you would want to keep it.
Loud Noises! Do you remember your 1960s Buick Lesabre? No? Well it wasn’t nearly as quiet as a 2022 Buick Enclave. The same train of thought applies to conversion burners. These old heating systems are LARGE, less reliable and noisy compared to a new HE system!
Venting! Over the years the oil that was burned in that system has done a number on the masonry chimney in your home. Since most of these systems burned at best 80%, 20% of that unburned deposits on the chimney wall. Chances are if you are still using a conversion burner that chimney hasn’t had a full inspection in forever! That could lead to CO leaks and health concerns if that escapes into the home. A new HE system vents through the wall via PVC and alleviates any concerns with Chimney health.
As of 2022 – notice was sent out to conversion burner rentals that we will no longer service and provide maintenance for these units. There are still some incentives (as of 4/27/23) to move to a high efficiency furnace or boiler!