Oil to Gas Conversion in Wisconsin and Minnesota
Fuel oil prices are going up, while natural gas is trending down. Is it time to switch fuels?
People have been relying on oil-fired furnaces, boilers and water heaters for many years. But a growing number of homeowners are choosing to replace oil-burning equipment with new heating equipment that burns natural gas. What’s motivating this switch? The main factors driving oil-to-gas conversion are explained below.
Benefits of converting from oil heat to gas heat
- Energy savings and protection from volatile oil prices. Natural gas prices are lower than oil prices, and most energy experts agree that this trend will continue. Oil prices are frequently affected by political unrest and natural disasters around the world. A single event can cause a dramatic increase in the price of oil. The price of natural gas is more stable.
- Upgrading to more efficient equipment. An older oil burner is likely to be operating at just 70%-80% efficiency, even when it’s in perfect condition. In contrast, a new “sealed-combustion” gas furnace or boiler can operate above 90% efficiency. Replacing an older oil furnace or boiler with an advanced, super-efficient gas burner will yield major energy savings.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas burns cleaner than fuel oil. Switching from oil to gas means that you’ll be aiding the environment by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Thanks to advanced extraction technology, an abundance of natural gas is being produced right here in the U.S. In fact, over 90% of our natural gas is domestically produced. Buying “American-made” fuel rather than foreign oil is a “win-win:” You save money and support job growth at home.
The cost of oil-to-gas conversion depends on several factors
Making the switch from oil to gas can cost anywhere from $4500 to over $10,000. There are several reasons for this wide price range. First of all, the cost of bringing a gas line to the house can vary greatly depending on where you live and where the nearest existing line is located. Secondly, it may be necessary to remove the oil tank that is no longer needed. A third factor determining conversion cost is the equipment replacement option you choose. Sometimes it’s possible to simply replace the burner assembly in a furnace or boiler. In other cases, you’ll have to remove the entire furnace or boiler and replace it with a new gas-burning appliance.
As your local heating and cooling professionals, Dr. Energy Saver will inspect your heating system and provide free estimates for any oil-to-gas conversion. Call us or visit our free estimate page to schedule an appointment today!
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