If you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money, converting your boiler system from oil to natural gas is a great green engineering practice. Boiler systems that utilize oil as a means of heating are quickly becoming outdated and environmentally hazardous since they are among the top contributors of smog in the areas around them. In addition, oil-based boiler systems can hold back the purchase of household property since many buyers do not want the insurance headaches or responsibilities of maintaining or replacing oil boiler systems.

Natural Gas for Domestic or Commercial Use

Since natural gas is a natural bio fuel found within the earth, it has to be “mined” and processed before household or industrial boilers can use it as a form of energy. Natural gas can be found on shore and offshore.

Recently, to make the process greener, gas is extracted by natural pressure up out of the drill hole. Natural gas then is taken through a process to remove impurities and other unhealthy substances such as water, mercury, or hydrogen sulphide. This process does vary but maintains the same goal – appropriate gas for use.

The goal of extracting gas is to extract all of it and channel it through pipelines to houses and industrial buildings for use as energy.

Natural Gas and Boiler Function

Regardless of whether a boiler uses coal, oil, propane, or natural gas, the function of the boiler remains the same. A gas boiler sits above the burner which receives gas as fuel. The burner is lit by a pilot light and remains lit throughout the time the boiler is active. Regulating boiler function and production are the temperature gauge and thermocouple junction. The water within the boiler heats to the desired temperature before being distributed throughout the heating system via pipes and released through the radiators either as hot steam or heat.

Consult a Green Engineering Professional
Although a homeowner can be involved in theconversion of their oil boiler to natural gas, much of the conversion should be done with the assistance of a professional that specializes in green engineering. The home owner’s role would be to ascertain budget feasibility, location of the tank, – above or underground - the requirements for a new boiler or a repaired boiler, and any known repairs.

The remainder of the scope of the should be completed by professionals who understand the details of the conversion, the legal requirements to be followed, and green engineering best practices. They will be able to advise on ways to maximize heating efficiency within the boiler and central heating system. This will go a long way to reducing costs or removing unnecessary costs by recommending repairs or upgrades instead of replacing the entire boiler system.