How Much Does It Cost to Install an Oil-Fired Boiler System In Your Long Island Home?

Boiler replacement cost – cost of new boiler on Long Island

The cost to install an oil-fired boiler system can range from $3,700 to $11,000, with a national average cost of about $6,500. That’s for a stainless steel 91% efficiency boiler for a 2,000 square foot home with new exhaust. There are many considerations that can affect price, which we’ll cover below.

1.Boiler Size

The first thing you’ll need to consider is size. If you select a boiler that is too small, it will have difficulty heating your home. By contrast, if you select a boiler that’s too large, you’ll be spending unnecessarily on energy. Bigger is not always necessary. You’ll want to stay within 10% to 20% of the recommended BTUs for your home size. The size of the boiler you’ll need will depend on the square footage of your home and your climate zone. Colder climates require more BTUs. You can look up your climate on the U.S. Department of Energy’s climate map. There are also various calculators online which will help you calculate the size boiler you’ll need.

2. Boiler Material

After size, the next consideration is the material of the heat exchanger within the boiler. The three options are cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. They vary in durability and efficiency. For example, cast iron heat exchangers are the least expensive, but provide a durable option, sometimes lasting over 25 years. Of the three materials though, they are the least efficient. However, newer cast iron models have achieved up to 90% efficiency by using a three-pass system. They can range in price from $1,700 to $3,200.

Aluminum provides incremental efficiency over cast iron though the difference is so minimal (91%) that very few manufacturers actually make them and the cost increases to between $2,500 and $4,200.

Finally, stainless steel heat exchangers are becoming more common due to increased efficiency (95%), but this comes at the cost of decreased durability. Stainless steel eventually corrodes from the higher acidity in a condensing boiler, reducing its life to about 15 years and its warranty to about 7 years. In comparison to cast iron boilers, their cost is about double at $4,000 to $6,500.

3. Hot Water vs. Steam

The third consideration is hot water versus steam variations. Hot water boilers are more efficient and more common. Steam boilers are larger in size. Although less efficient, steam boilers generally cost more, starting at about $2,500 as compared to hot water boilers which start at $1,700.

4. Condensing vs. Non-Condensing

Just as cast iron is most prevalent, most oil boilers are non-condensing. However, just like with stainless steel, increased efficiency has made condensing oil boilers more common. The difference is that in non-condensing boilers, some heat and energy are lost through the exhaust, although some have multiple pass heat exchangers to reduce loss. Conversely, the exhaust in a condensing system is condensed, recapturing the heat before it vents. As a result, the acidity of the system is increased, which is what causes the corrosion related to stainless steel heat exchangers. The cost difference between non-condensing versus condensing is $1,700 to $4200, and $4,000 to $6,500, respectively.

Another option for smaller residences such as condos, apartments, or homes with square footage less than 1,000 square feet is combination boilers. These combination boilers are used to heat both the home and the hot water. They are efficient, condensing, and take up little space. Although they are not designed for large homes, they are comprised of two chambers, one which heats the water and the other which heats the home. Prices range from $1,900 to $4,500.

5. Boiler Brand

Boiler brands vary in manufacturing techniques and materials. Some of the price ranges of some leading brands are:

In addition to all these considerations, one must also consider the labor costs associated with installing an oil-fired boiler system. This will first depend on whether or not you already have an oil tank and oil line installed. If so, the installation of the boiler system will be easier and less costly than if you were to have to run a new oil line. If you have an older tank, it’s a good idea to install a new oil line because they can become clogged over time. Oil boilers need an exhaust or flue for ventilation. Again, whether or not you already have one installed will impact the price of labor. Labor costs to install an oil boiler are about $2,000, but if a new oil line or flue is necessary, the price of labor can increase to as much as $3,500.

Some additional enhancement and other costs that one might consider when installing an oil-fired boiler system include:

• Oil-boiler removal. If you’re replacing your boiler, some companies may charge up to $200 for the removal and disposal of the old unit, depending on its age and location.
• Insulation. The average cost of boiler insulation is around $50 to $100, but can save you money in the long-run by stopping heat loss and therefore reducing your energy costs.
• Wall-mounting. Cast iron boilers are too heavy to mount, but some small and high-efficiency oil boilers can be wall mounted to save space. These models cost about $2,500.
• Programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats help you save on your energy bills by automatically turning off the heat when you’re not home. These average between $145 and $230.
• A portable generator to keep your heat on in the event the power goes out can cost around $2,000. Oil boilers don’t use a lot of electricity, but they do require some to keep the motor running.
• Permit and inspection. Some towns require a permit and inspection for HVAC work, which includes installing a new boiler.

There are many different options, considerations, and choices to be made when installing an oil-fired boiler system. This is a job that should be done by a professional since it involves plumbing, heating, and venting knowledge. An HVAC technician can perform a Manual J calculation to determine the specific needs of your home and make recommendations and answer your questions.