Is an Oil to Gas Conversion Right for You?

If you’ve been thinking about converting the heating system in your Brooklyn home from fuel oil to natural gas, you’re on the right track. There are definite advantages of converting to natural gas and your Brooklyn heating experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning can tell you all about them.

How are Oil and Gas Heating Different?

Most fuel oil is used in the Northeastern U.S., such as in the New York area, because when these areas were developed and houses built, fuel oil was readily available and cheaper than gas. That’s not the case anymore. Most homes in the region have access to a natural gas pipeline and it makes sense to use gas for heating, water heating and cooking.

Gas is delivered by a regulated utility, which means that you’ll have a pretty good idea of how much you’re going to pay each year. National Grid offers a budget billing plan so that you pay the same amount every month. National Grid will also help you lower your bill with rebates on qualifying, efficient gas equipment. Fuel oil (and propane) prices are not regulated. The fluctuations of the price of oil are well-known, and many fuel oil customers have experienced sticker shock when they had their oil tanks topped off each fall. Depending on the year, some fuel oil customers have paid twice as much for heating fuel as natural gas customers.

How Much Does it Cost to Convert Oil to Gas?

There are costs associated with converting from oil to gas that go beyond buying a new heater. A new gas furnace or boiler, by the way, will be cheaper than a comparable oil-fired furnace or boiler, plus you can buy gas equipment that is far more energy efficient. If you don’t have gas already for cooking or a gas fireplace, you may need to have a new gas line run to your house from the main. National Grid will install the gas line to your house and install a gas meter. Your new gas heater may require a chimney liner to protect the masonry.

What are the Benefits of an Oil to Gas Conversion?

On the plus side, even though the conversion from oil to gas can be expensive, high efficiency gas equipment is eligible for Federal tax rebates at least through the end of this year and they may be extended. In addition, National Grid offers rebates for high-efficiency gas heating equipment, up to $325 on high-efficiency boilers and up to $400 on energy-efficient furnaces. Moreover, because gas equipment is more efficient and the fuel costs less than fuel oil, your savings can often pay for the conversion in five years or less.

Brooklyn Heating Specialists

When it comes to converting to high-efficiency gas equipment, the team at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is your Brooklyn heating expert. Call us today if you’re ready to make the switch from oil to gas or if you have any questions!