If you reside in New York, specifically in the townships of Southampton, East Hampton, Shirley, or Quogue, chances are your neighbors have talked about oil-to-gas conversion. It is one of the most widespread energy upgrades, and for good reasons. Oil-to-gas conversion has many potential benefits—but it is not always a simple yes or no.
So, is it okay for your home to be converted to gas? In this post, Paradise Plumbing explains it: the pros, what to look for, and what is involved.
What is an Oil-to-Gas Conversion?
An oil-to-gas conversion is when you substitute the heating device in your home with fuel oil for natural gas. It typically includes:
- Removing the existing oil-burning boiler or furnace
- Installing a gas-burning heating device
- Installing gas lines if they have not already been installed.
- Installing or putting in a new venting system
- Eliminating or capping the oil tank
This kind of upgrade is not just a technical process—it is an investment that will leave its mark on how you warm your home for years to come.
Why Are Homeowners Converting to Natural Gas?
1. Cost Savings
Natural gas is usually less costly than heating oil, especially in the long term. Prices for oil are bound to fluctuate when there is international activity, but prices for gas tend to be more consistent.
Bottom line: Most homeowners experience reduced monthly heating bills after making the switch.
2. Convenience
Oil heat is deliveries. You need to check your tank level and schedule refills or find yourself left out in the cold on a frosty winter morning. Natural gas arrives piped to your house—no checking, no deliveries, no inconvenience.
3. Cleaner Energy
Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel than oil, with reduced carbon emissions and particulates. That translates to cleaner indoor air and fewer pollutants outdoors.
4. Higher Home Value
Customers these days want efficiency and new energy systems. Those houses with gas heating are the best—and cost more.
5. More Efficient Equipment
New gas heating systems (condensing boilers, which is) use much less energy. That meant quicker heating and wasted energy usage.
When May Oil be the Better Choice?
Even with so many positives, gas is not necessarily the preference for everyone.
1. Availability of Gas Lines
There are some communities that do not yet have access to a municipal gas line. It is prohibitively expensive—or impossible—to bring one in.
2. Initial Investment
The total cost of conversion can be anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the extent of work. That is equipment, labor, installing a gas line, permits, and removing a tank.
3. Existing Homes
If your home is extremely old or historically maintained, enormous system upgrades can be more difficult and restricted.
4. You Just Put in a New Oil System
If you just put in a new oil high-efficiency boiler or furnace, it could be economically wise to delay the conversion until the end of the system’s life.
What Does the Oil-to-Gas Conversion Process Entail
This is what you can expect when you get your oil-to-gas conversion from Paradise Plumbing:
1. First Consultation
We will assess your current system, energy loads, home layout, and access to a gas line. We will discuss as well what is most important to you—savings, comfort, green benefits, etc.
2. Gas Line Installation (When Necessary)
If your house does not already have a gas connection, we will arrange to meet with the utility company (e.g., National Grid or Con Edison) to bring the gas line to your house.
3. Removal of old System
We remove the oil boiler/furnace safely and dispose of or decommission the oil tank responsibly.
4. New System Installation
We install a high-efficiency natural gas boiler or furnace, sized appropriately for your house’s needs.
5. Permits and Inspections
We manage all local codes and permit along with post-installation testing to ensure its code is compliant.
6. Final Walkthrough and Testing
After being installed and verified, we walk you through the system, describe how it works, and answer questions.
How Long Does the Conversion Take?
The duration of time varies based on whether a pre-existing gas line can be tapped into. On average:
- With an existing gas line: 1–3 days
- Without an existing gas line: 2–6 weeks (subject to utility scheduling)
Is It Safe to Make the Switch to Gas?
Yes. Natural gas heat systems are a very safe system to have. Paradise Plumbing follows all safety protocols and uses licensed technicians who work in New York State and county codes.
We also do a complete test of the new system before it is installed in your home, making sure to look for leaks, adjust pressure, ventilation, and general operation.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect?
Here is an estimated breakdown:
| Item | Cost Range |
| New gas furnace/boiler | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Gas line installation | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Disconnection of old system | $500 – $1,500 |
| Oil tank removal or abandonment | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Permits/Inspections | $200 – $800 |
| Labor | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Paradise Plumbing is fair and upfront on pricing, no hidden surprises. We also help customers receive rebates, utility credits, and financing which take some of the pain out.
Rebates and Incentives Available
Homeowners who are converting to gas in New York can be eligible for rebates from:
- National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Program
- NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development Authority)
- Federal tax credits for energy-efficient heating systems
Ask our employees—We’ll find and obtain you all available savings.
Gas Conversion: Long-Term Value
Natural gas is a wise investment in the long term. Below are things Paradise Plumbing customers repeatedly remark about:
- 25–40% lower yearly heating costs
- Quieter, cleaner heating equipment
- Better indoor air quality
- No additional fuel delivery or monitoring tanks
- Peace of mind with reliable, newer machinery
Is It Time to Switch?
Take these questions into consideration:
- Is your oil system older than 15 years?
- Do you no longer desire to keep records of oil deliveries?
- Would you like to lower your heating expenses?
- Is natural gas within your reach?
- Will you be staying in your home in the long term?
If you answer yes to any of the above, oil-to-gas conversion might be the solution.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Paradise Plumbing
We have helped hundreds of Long Island homeowners safely and securely convert from oil to gas at Paradise Plumbing. Our licensed experts manage every step—permits to installation—done with honesty and care.
Call Paradise Plumbing today for a complimentary boiler consultation. Or visit your website to book your estimate online. We offer:
And much more. If you want to learn more about oil-to-gas conversions, look upon the following articles.
We serve Southampton, East Hampton, Shirley, Quogue, and nearby towns in Suffolk County. Contact now to book your consultation with us!
