Gas heating is by far the most common option in many parts of the country, particularly in regions that experience extremely cold winters. Gas heating is also increasingly common for homes on Long Island. However, many older houses still have oil heating, partly because they were built before there was any natural gas infrastructure. While some neighborhoods in New York still lack a gas line, this is relatively rare nowadays.
The high cost of converting from oil to gas heating also discourages many homeowners from making the switch. While oil heating isn’t necessarily inadequate, converting to a gas furnace or boiler will typically save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Upfront Costs of Gas vs. Oil Heating
If you’re building a new house or need to replace an old oil heating system, installing an oil furnace or boiler will almost always be less expensive than opting for gas heating.
- Conversion cost: Converting from oil to gas usually costs $6,000–$20,000.
- Lower end: Costs are lower if your home already has a gas line.
- Additional factors: Connecting to the street gas line, removing the old oil tank, and the complexity of installation all affect the price.
Energy Costs
Although an oil-to-gas conversion is costly, you’ll save significantly on heating expenses with gas:
- Fuel prices: Natural gas is cheaper than heating oil.
- Oil contracts: Many oil companies require flat-rate contracts, meaning you pay high costs even during mild winters.
- Volatility: Heating oil prices fluctuate more than natural gas, often rising during cold winters.
- Efficiency:
- Oil furnaces: 80–90% efficient
- Gas furnaces: similar, but condensing gas furnaces can reach up to 99% efficiency
- Result: lower energy waste and a more eco-friendly system with gas
Maintenance and Ongoing Costs
Both systems require maintenance, but oil heating is more demanding:
- Oil heating: Requires regular oil filter changes, chimney cleaning, and soot removal. More prone to breakdowns from clogged nozzles, fuel line issues, or dirty filters.
- Gas heating: Burns more cleanly, produces no soot with full combustion, and tends to break down less often.
Even though conversion costs are high, the savings on fuel, maintenance, and repairs with gas usually allow homeowners to recoup the investment in five to seven years.
Why Choose Universe Home Services?
Universe Home Services has been serving Suffolk and Nassau counties since 1954. We specialize in oil-to-gas conversions and can help you choose the best furnace or boiler for your home.
If you’re considering switching to gas heating, contact us today for a consultation and free estimate.
