How much does it cost to convert from oil to gas in massachusetts

Last winter, heating a house with oil cost an average of $1,700, while natural gas averaged less than $900, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The year before, when oil prices peaked, oil heating cost an average of $2,000; natural gas was again around $900. Since 2002, oil heat has averaged 30% to 50% more than gas every year.

So, if it's time to replace your old oil-burning system, you might be wondering if it makes sense to switch. Here's how to crunch the numbers.

What Fuel Types Are Available in Your Area?

About half of the country uses natural gas already, and only about 8% uses oil. Most of the rest use costlier heating — electricity accounts for 34%, propane 6% — typically because that's what is available locally. The vast majority of oil-burners are concentrated in the Northeast, where they account for 31% of residential heating systems. That's largely because of the region's proximity to the ports where oil barges deliver their loads and the fact that oil was a cheaper option back when these houses were built.

Unlike oil, which gets delivered by truck, natural gas gets piped right into your house by a utility company. So making the switch requires having a gas main under your street. Even in oil-dominated neighborhoods of the Northeast, most urban and suburban areas have gas lines. If yours doesn't, you may be able to convince the local utility to install a gas main if enough neighbors band together to make the request.

How Much Will the Equipment Cost?

Gas-fired equipment costs less than oil-fired gear. For a basic furnace (for a forced air heating system) or boiler (for hot-water heat), you'll pay around $1,500 to $3,000 for gas and $2,000 to as much as $8,000 for oil, says Ellis Guiles of TAG Mechanical in Syracuse, New York. If you select a high efficiency system, you'll pay $3,500 to $5,500 for gas, compared with $4,500 to $10,000 for oil. A high-efficiency unit of either kind may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $300, as well as local incentives.

How Much Will the Hookup Cost?

There are two aspects to the connection process for gas: outside the house and inside. The utility company will run an underground pipe from the gas main to your house, where it will install a meter. This requires using a backhoe to dig a trench from the road to the house and typically costs $1,000 to $1,500, according to Jim Ranfone, managing director of the American Gas Association, a trade group. But it's possible that the utility will waive or reduce that charge as an inducement to add you to its customer rolls. Your contractor will handle the second part of the job, piping the gas from the meter to your heating plant, typically at a cost of $500 to $1,000.

What Other Expenses Are Involved?

Switching to gas may require you to line your chimney ($750 to $2,000), because the moisture in gas exhaust can damage the masonry. A liner isn't necessary with a high-efficiency gas system, which, combined with tax incentives, explains why nearly all of Guiles' conversion customers choose high-efficiency equipment. Although it's probably not required, you'll likely choose to remove your oil tank for another $750 or so if it's above ground to $3,000 if it's buried.

The Bottom Line to Convert Oil to Gas

So is it worth spending potentially a few grand in conversion costs to switch to gas? Well, at last year's prices, your fuel-cost savings alone would pay you back in less than five years. But as the stock-market caveat goes, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Most natural gas is mined in North America, so some say its pricing less volatile than oil, which is a global commodity. But the truth is, there's no way to know for sure if gas will continue its substantial price advantage. The decision usually comes down to how complicated the conversion will be for your house—and how good the incentives are that the utilities and state agencies are offering, says Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, a trade group of state officials who help homeowners cut their energy costs.

Still, there are reasons other than money to make the switch. Gas has lower carbon emissions than oil, so it's better for the environment. Plus, once you have a gas line, you can get that commercial-style, six-burner stove you've always wanted.

Related: 

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  • Shave Up to 15% Off Your Heating Bill with This Simple Tip

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How much does it cost to convert from oil to gas in massachusetts

How Much Does It Cost To Convert From Oil To Gas In Massachusetts?

How much does it cost to convert from oil to gas in massachusetts

Are you wondering if it is the right time for an oil to gas conversion for your family? As the price of oil and propane continues to increase year-after-year, many home and business owners are investing in gas appliances to improve efficiency and decrease heating costs. Do you want to learn more about it? Here are some important facts, although we will gladly schedule an oil to gas conversion appointment and go over all of these details first-hand.

What Are The Benefits Of An Oil To Gas Conversion?

Converting to natural gas offers homeowners several primary benefits. Not only will your energy usage and costs lower substantially, but your gas appliances will run more efficiently. During extreme weather, you won’t have to worry about outages like with electric, oil, or propane appliances. If you’ve ever had to order oil in the wintertime, you know the hassles that come with it while waiting for a delivery. So your family will be more comfortable and fed because of working appliances regardless of the Massachusetts temperature outside. Most vitally, a home or business will be eco-friendly as gas emits 50% less CO2 than coal.

Oil To Gas Conversion Calculator

Did you know there are online calculators for homeowners to compare gas, propane, and oil costs based on current state prices? It’s a clever idea to do your homework and find out what your savings would be after an oil to gas conversion.  As natural gas is the most affordable option, it’s the perfect time to convert a heating source and save thousands annually. Ask us for recommendations based on your home’s size and usage.

How Much Do Gas Appliances Cost?

Gas appliances tend to cost much less than oil and electric units. They also tend to have less repair or replacement costs because of gas appliance makes and models have less technical components than other units. Consumer affairs recommend gas appliances over other options as home or business owners can save in excess of thirty percent on monthly utility bills.

Are There Any Energy-Efficient Tax Breaks Available?

There are energy efficiency federal tax credits available for residential, commercial, and property builders through December of 2020, so it is the optimal time to plan an oil to gas conversion project. Buying Energy Star appliances for your home or business will pay off. We can also help with the Mass Save rebate paperwork when buying heating equipment.

What Is The Cost Of Oil To Gas Conversion?

Costs depend solely on a home or business’s needs and can vary significantly. For a definitive quote, you can visit the J Griffin Heating and Plumbing request page and ask for an oil to gas conversion. We’ll gladly visit your home and offer an estimate with prices.

Does J Griffin Heating and Plumbing Have Hidden Fees?

J Griffin Heating and Plumbing staff pride ourselves on trust and transparency that we have built with over thirty years of service in North Reading and , so we never include hidden costs. Our estimate will include all your costs, so you won’t be surprised by extra fees.

What Areas Does J Griffin Heating and Plumbing Service?

While J Griffin Heating and Plumbing is located in North Reading, Massachusetts, we also service Andover, Billerica, Everett, Danvers, Hathorne, Lowell, Lynnfield, Lynn Woburn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Billerica, Peabody, Reading, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Wakefield, West Medford, and Wilmington. If you don’t see your service area listed here, contact us for more information.

Is J Griffin Heating and Plumbing Certified And Licensed?

J Griffin Heating and Plumbing is certified by O.S.H.A. Safety, NAVIEN Service Specialist (NSS), UWUA of America, and Green (Energy Star). We also are licensed as journeymen plumbers, so you’ll get experienced, qualified specialists for your oil to gas conversion.

Are you ready to get started with this home improvement project? Simply contact us at (781) 521-2188 or at https://www.facebook.com/JGriffinHeatingandPlumbing/ for an appointment.

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How much does it cost to switch from oil to gas in Massachusetts?

So what is the cost of switching for homeowners in Massachusetts? It depends on where you live and some specific details about your situation, but could be anywhere between $3,500 and $10,000. If you need to get a gas line installed, that cost could be anywhere from $0 (if your gas company pays for it) to $1000.

How much does it cost to convert from oil to natural gas?

5 Things You Need to Know About Converting to Natural Gas (that the gas company and many HVAC contractors will not tell you): A typical conversion costs between $8,000-$12,000. Converting from oil to natural gas is much more cumbersome and expensive than people think. You are the General Contractor of the job.

Is converting from oil to gas worth it?

The most important reason you should convert oil to gas is because of the cost. The cost of natural gas is about half the cost of home heating oil. Also, while home heating oil prices can fluctuate wildly, natural gas prices do not. Over time, that is a huge saving for your family.

Is it worth buying a house with oil heat?

Should I Buy a Home with Heating Oil? Yes. In summary, oil heat is a safe, cost-effective fuel for heating your home. If you are choosing between propane or heating oil, heating oil wins out all day long.