Switching from Oil to Natural Gas for Heating: A Comprehensive Guide

Considering switching from oil to natural gas for heating your home? This guide will help you understand the pros and cons, the conversion process, and the potential cost savings. Discover why heat pumps are a cost-effective alternative and learn from real-life experiences in converting heating systems.

Understanding the Energy Source Transition

Converting from oil to natural gas for heating can be a significant decision, and it’s crucial to weigh the costs and benefits. While natural gas is often more environmentally friendly and can offer cost savings in the long run, the initial investment can be substantial. For many homeowners, the financial outlay to hire a qualified contractor for a natural gas furnace installation is quite high, often comparable to the cost of purchasing a new furnace. Additionally, heat pumps can provide significant savings on energy bills, making them a compelling alternative.

For those considering oil heating, the transition to natural gas can be beneficial, especially for most areas that use furnaces. Heat pumps are a highly cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for many regions, offering both significant cost savings and reduced fuel consumption.

Design Considerations and Retrofitting Challenges

Retrofitting an existing heating system to use natural gas isn’t always straightforward. There are two primary designs for furnaces: those specifically designed for natural gas and those that can be retrofitted with a gas burner. Retrofitting often leads to noisy and inefficient systems, which may not be ideal for your home.

As a professional in the field, I can attest to having conducted several conversions, but I do not recommend this approach. The alternative, installing a new heat pump or furnace, is often more efficient and less noisy, offering a more comfortable and cost-effective solution.

Real-Life Experiences and Costs

Let’s look at a real-life scenario: a couple who converted their 1960 mid-century modern house from fuel oil heating to natural gas in the early 2000s. The process involved several steps, which are detailed below:

The Installation Process

Before the conversion, the natural gas utility trenching crew had to find a main line under the street and trench across the parking area. They placed a meter next to the house for natural gas, which the homeowners had to purchase.

A local heating contractor removed the fuel oil furnaces and installed new natural gas-burning furnaces. Notably, the house had two furnaces, the reasons for which remained speculative and were not worth explaining.

Electric hot water heaters and cookstoves remained on electric power, as no gas lines could be brought to those locations within the existing structure. This decision was due to the limitations of the home’s layout and existing plumbing.

The Conversion and Safety Measures

The property was sold with the decommissioned fuel oil tank, and the decommissioning process was recorded in official documents with the local fire department. This ensured that there were no surprises during real estate transactions and avoided potential liabilities, such as leaking fuel oil tanks.

Cost Considerations

When seeking contractors, it is wise to obtain multiple estimates. In one instance, three contractors were called, and their quotes ranged from $6,000 to $10,000. The $6,000 contractor completed the project in one day and did a thorough job. This highlights the importance of finding the right contractor who will both provide a fair quote and deliver quality work.

When deciding to convert from oil to natural gas, consider the following:

Initial Investment: The upfront cost of converting to natural gas, including the cost of hiring contractors, can be high. Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient and can provide substantial savings on heating bills. Noise and Efficiency: Retrofitting can lead to noisy and inefficient systems, making heat pumps a better alternative. Professional Help: Engage a qualified professional who can provide an accurate estimate and perform the conversion effectively.

By understanding these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether to switch from oil to natural gas, and whether a heat pump might be a better solution for your home.