Oil to Gas Conversion: A Smart Investment for Your Home

If you are still relying on an oil-burning furnace or boiler to heat your home, you have probably noticed the rising costs and increasing maintenance demands that come with aging oil heating systems. Converting from oil to natural gas is one of the most impactful upgrades homeowners in Southern New Hampshire can make. At MASI Plumbing, Heating & A/C, we have been helping homeowners navigate this transition since our founding in 1964, bringing decades of hands-on expertise to every oil to gas conversion project we undertake. We serve communities throughout the region, including Nashua, Milford, Amherst, Hudson, and Merrimack, where natural gas infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past two decades.

The shift from oil to natural gas heating has accelerated across New England in recent years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Northeast still has the highest concentration of oil-heated homes in the country, but that number has been declining steadily as natural gas becomes more accessible and affordable. Natural gas prices have remained consistently lower than heating oil prices per BTU, and the price stability of gas compared to the volatile swings of oil markets makes budgeting for winter heating far more predictable. For homeowners who are ready to make the switch, we provide free estimates so you can understand the full scope and investment involved before committing to a project.

Understanding the Oil to Gas Conversion Process

An oil to gas conversion is more than simply swapping out a burner. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of your existing heating infrastructure, your home’s energy needs, and the availability of natural gas service at your property. The process begins with an in-home assessment where our technicians inspect your current oil furnace or boiler, ductwork or piping, chimney or venting system, and overall home insulation. This evaluation determines whether your existing distribution system can be retained or whether a complete HVAC installation is the better path forward.

Once the assessment is complete, the next phase involves coordinating with your local gas utility to establish a natural gas connection to your home if one does not already exist. In many neighborhoods throughout Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and Amherst, gas mains run along the street, and extending a service line to your home is a relatively straightforward process. The utility company typically handles the installation of the gas meter and service line at no cost or reduced cost, though timelines can vary depending on demand and seasonal scheduling. We work closely with utility providers to ensure the coordination between their work and ours is seamless.

The actual equipment installation involves removing your old oil-burning equipment and replacing it with a high-efficiency gas furnace, gas boiler, or a combination system depending on your home’s configuration. Modern gas furnaces achieve Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings of 95% to 98%, meaning nearly all the fuel consumed is converted directly into heat for your home. Compare this to older oil systems that often operate at 60% to 80% efficiency, and the energy savings become immediately apparent. Our technicians handle all gas line connections, venting modifications, thermostat upgrades, and system testing to ensure everything operates safely and efficiently from day one.

Benefits of Switching from Oil to Natural Gas

The advantages of converting from oil to gas extend well beyond monthly fuel savings, though those savings are certainly significant. Homeowners who make the switch often report reducing their annual heating costs by 25% to 40% depending on the efficiency of their old system and the equipment they choose as a replacement. But the financial benefits are just one piece of the puzzle.

• Elimination of oil tank liability — Underground and above-ground oil tanks pose environmental risks including leaks and soil contamination that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to remediate
• Reduced maintenance requirements — Gas heating systems require less frequent servicing than oil systems because natural gas burns cleaner and does not produce soot or residue that clogs heat exchangers and flue passages
• Improved home value — Real estate studies consistently show that homes with natural gas heating sell faster and at higher prices than comparable homes with oil heat
• Environmental impact — Natural gas produces approximately 27% less carbon dioxide per BTU than heating oil, making it a cleaner-burning fossil fuel option
• Continuous fuel supply — Unlike oil, which requires scheduled deliveries and tank monitoring, natural gas flows through a utility pipeline directly to your home without interruption
• Versatility for future upgrades — Once natural gas is connected, you can also use it for cooking, water heating, fireplaces, outdoor grills, and clothes dryers

Beyond these practical benefits, many homeowners appreciate the convenience of never having to monitor fuel levels or worry about running out of oil during a cold snap. Southern New Hampshire winters are demanding, and having a reliable, always-available fuel source provides genuine peace of mind. And if your heating system ever experiences an unexpected failure during the coldest months, our 24/7 emergency service ensures you are never left waiting in the cold for a furnace repair or heating service response.

Oil Tank Removal and Decommissioning

A critical component of any oil to gas conversion is addressing your existing oil storage tank. Whether your tank is located in a basement, garage, or buried underground, it must be properly decommissioned or removed in accordance with New Hampshire environmental regulations. Above-ground tanks are typically drained, cleaned, and physically removed from the property. Underground tanks require more extensive work, including excavation, soil testing, and proper disposal. If soil contamination is discovered during the removal process, additional remediation may be required. We help coordinate these services to ensure your conversion project meets all regulatory requirements and leaves your property clean and safe.

Leaving an unused oil tank in place without proper decommissioning is not recommended. Even tanks that appear to be in good condition can deteriorate over time, and any residual oil or sludge remaining in the tank can create environmental hazards. Insurance companies are also increasingly scrutinizing properties with abandoned oil tanks, and the presence of an unaddressed tank can complicate the sale of your home in the future.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Home

Selecting the appropriate gas heating equipment depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the existing heat distribution system, and your comfort preferences. If your home currently uses a forced-air oil furnace with ductwork, a direct replacement with a high-efficiency gas furnace is often the most cost-effective approach. Homes with hydronic baseboard heating or radiant floor systems will benefit from a gas boiler conversion. In some cases, homeowners choose to upgrade to a combination boiler that provides both space heating and domestic hot water from a single compact unit, freeing up valuable space where the old water heater once stood.

We also discuss options like modulating and condensing gas equipment, which adjusts its output to match your home’s real-time heating demand rather than cycling on and off at full capacity. This technology delivers more consistent temperatures throughout your home while maximizing energy efficiency. For homeowners interested in combining their heating service with air conditioning service, we can install a complete HVAC system during the conversion that addresses both heating and cooling needs in a single project, reducing overall installation costs and disruption.

Why Choose Experienced Professionals for Your Conversion

Oil to gas conversion involves working with combustible fuels, gas piping, electrical connections, and venting systems that must all meet strict safety codes and manufacturer specifications. At MASI Plumbing, Heating & A/C, our experience dating back to 1964 means we have performed countless conversions across every type of home and heating configuration found in Southern New Hampshire. We understand the unique challenges that come with older New England homes, including tight mechanical spaces, aging chimneys that need relining, and distribution systems that require modification to work optimally with modern gas equipment. When you are ready to explore what an oil to gas conversion looks like for your specific home, contact us for a free estimate and let our team guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today.

Serving Southern New Hampshire

• Wilton
• Milford
• Amherst
• Mont Vernon
• Brookline
• Hollis
• Nashua
• Hudson
• Litchfield
• Bedford
• Manchester
• Derry
• Londonderry
• Windham
• Pelham
• Salem