You’re not alone if you’ve considered saying goodbye to oil heat. More homeowners are converting to natural gas for convenience, lower emissions, and long-term savings. But swapping systems isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. You’ll want to understand what’s involved before you commit.
Why Homeowners Are Replacing Oil Heating With Gas
Many homeowners are making the switch from oil to gas heating for a straightforward reason: gas offers greater convenience and reliability. Unlike oil systems, which require regular tank refills and delivery coordination, gas heat is supplied through a continuous pipeline.
That means no more checking fuel levels, scheduling deliveries, or worrying about running out of oil during a winter storm. Once the system is installed, gas heat becomes something you rarely have to think about. You just set your thermostat and get on with your day. Several other factors also make a strong case for switching to gas.
Cost
Cost is a major consideration. Oil prices are notoriously volatile, often rising sharply during the winter months when demand is high. That unpredictability can make budgeting difficult from one year to the next. In contrast, natural gas prices tend to be more stable, giving homeowners a better sense of what to expect on their heating bills.
Less Stress
Additionally, with oil, many homeowners find themselves trying to predict whether prices will rise or fall. They need to decide whether to lock in a prepaid rate or ride the market month-to-month. These decisions can be stressful because the average homeowner doesn’t have the time to become an expert on the global oil market. In contrast, natural gas pricing doesn’t require the same kind of strategic planning, making heating the home as simple as paying the electric bill.
Reduced Maintenance
Homeowners also appreciate the reduced need for heating maintenance service that comes with gas heating systems. Because gas burns cleaner than oil, there’s far less buildup of soot or residue inside the unit. That means fewer repair service calls and fewer surprises when it’s time for an annual inspection.
Consistent Supply
The move to gas is about more than convenience or cost. It’s about making home life easier. If you’ve had to rearrange your day around fuel deliveries or wake up to a cold house because the tank ran dry, you know how disruptive oil heat can be. Gas systems offer a more seamless experience that won’t interrupt your daily routine.
How Easy Is Switching From Oil to Gas Heating?
Replacing an oil heating system with gas may sound like a major project, but the process is fairly straightforward when broken down into steps. It begins with checking whether your home has access to a natural gas line. In many neighborhoods, a connection already exists. If not, your utility company may be able to extend one to your property, though that adds time and coordination.
Once access to gas is confirmed, the old oil tank typically comes out first. This part of the job can be messy, especially if the tank is buried. Underground tanks require inspection for leaks or soil contamination before removal. Aboveground tanks are easier to handle but still require proper safety procedures. In either case, removal should always be handled by licensed professionals, not attempted as a DIY project.
Next, your oil furnace or boiler will be replaced with a gas-powered unit. Because gas systems use different components, the new setup won’t reuse much of the old one. The good news is that gas furnaces are often more compact and can free up valuable space in your basement or utility room.
Once installed, our technician connects the system to the gas line and performs a series of safety tests. After that, your local building department will usually complete a final inspection to make sure everything meets code.
Do You Need a Permit?
Most homeowners will need one or more permits to convert from oil to gas heating. Local building departments typically require a plumbing or fuel gas permit to run new gas lines and connect them to your home’s heating system. In addition, a separate permit is often necessary to install the new furnace or boiler. These permits ensure the work meets local safety codes and that the system is installed correctly. We will handle the permitting process on your behalf, but understanding the requirements is still a good idea.
Why the Condition of Your Current System Matters
The condition of your current oil heating system can strongly influence the timing of your switch to gas. If your oil furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, investing in a new gas system may be more cost-effective than replacing outdated equipment with another oil model.
Insurance concerns can also come into play. Many providers are becoming more cautious about insuring properties with older oil tanks. Leaks from these tanks are costly to remediate, and some insurers may increase premiums or reduce coverage if the tank is deemed high risk.
Planned home upgrades are another reason to consider converting. If you’re already renovating part of the house, completing the switch during construction is often easier. Combining the conversion with other updates can minimize disruption and help avoid multiple rounds of demolition and repair.
What to Budget for an Oil-to-Gas Conversion
The cost of converting from oil to gas heating can vary widely depending on your home’s setup and the condition of your existing system. Homes that already have a gas line for appliances will have lower overall costs. Removing an underground oil tank can also increase installation expenses.
Your budget for the project should cover more than just the equipment. In addition to the new furnace or boiler, you’ll need to factor in labor, permits, safety inspections, and proper disposal of the old system.
Venting is another important consideration. Many oil systems vent through a chimney, but gas systems often require updates such as a chimney liner or an entirely different venting approach.
In some situations, utility companies or local governments offer rebates or tax credits when the upgrade improves energy efficiency. When you work with us, we can help you identify available incentives and guide you through the application process.
Although the upfront investment can be substantial, it helps to consider the long-term savings. If your household currently spends thousands each year on oil and frequent maintenance, switching to gas could reduce those expenses by 20% to 30% or more. Over time, those savings can offset the furnace installation costs, particularly if your oil system is nearing the end of its useful life anyway.
Find Out More About Making the Switch From Oil to Gas
Want to make the move to gas for your Cheshire, CT home without second-guessing every step? We handle all heating services and offer full-service oil-to-gas conversions, including expert system assessments, professional gas line installation, and seamless integration with high-efficiency heating equipment.
Call F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and let us handle the hard parts so that you can enjoy the convenience and cost savings.
