Would it be possible and more efficient to use an on-demand LP hot water heater, like the Bosch 2400LP? Or, should I just shut off the oil burner when we are away?
I have a 14 year old heating system. It is an oil fired burner, 100 gal hot water tank, and forced air. Hot water flows into copper coils, and air is blown over them to heat, then forced into ductwork and floor vents.(at least I think that's how it works!) It also supplies the household hot water. The burner and boiler are located in an outside attached small room with a 4" vent going up through the roof.
I have 3 heating zones in the house.
The price of oil has tripled, raising my heating bill to $600-$1200 per month in the heating months, for the 175 + gals of oil I use.
I keep my thermostat set to 62 at night and 65 during the day (and hope for solar gain), and only heat 1 zone. But, keeping all that water hot 24/7 is just not possible anymore with oil at $3.40/gal.
There are only two of us, so the domestic water demand is low compared with the hot water for the forced air system. I live in an area that does not freeze in the winter, temperatures rarely go below 40 at night, and almost never go below freezing.
I've got to do something before this oil burner sucks up my savings!
thanks for any advice you have.