WE DO Oil CONVERSIONS!

Natural gas and (and sometimes Propane, depending on the size of your home and the cost of propane) furnaces are typically less expensive to operate than electric furnaces and oil powered furnaces. 

However, these days with the cost of gas rising, switching from an Oil to Electric Heat Pump system is also a great option. 

If you are interested in a gas furnace, you may want to consider one with a high AFUE rating (between 90 and 98.5%) as these will save you the most money long term, even though the units themselves may be slightly more expensive in the short term

The Benefits of Switching to Propane, Natural Gas or Electric

• Save Space and Reduce your environmental impact and improve efficiency
  You’ll save a large amount of space be removing your older, larger oil tank as new natural gas and propane units are typically much smaller. Natural gas and Propane furnaces typically work at a significantly higher AFUE than oil furnaces. This means that they convert more of the fuel to usable heat which leads to less waste and fewer emissions.
  
  
• Save Money and Have Predictable Payments
  Natural gas and propane are typically cheaper than oil, and in most of the communities we service, natural gas is readily available and is the cheapest option currently compared to typical electric or oil furnaces.

  Some oil suppliers may charge upfront for a tank refill, but most natural gas utilities will charge you on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for what you use.

  Alternatively, unlike Electric Furnaces, Electric Heat Pumps are high efficiency systems that can replace either your furnace, air conditioner or Both. They’re a much better option if you’re thinking about switching from an Oil to Electric Furnace.

  A lot of Oil and Energy companies even offer the option to spread the payments out in equal amounts so there are no surprises. This allows for more predictable and less stressful billing.

• Increase the value of your home
  A new modern gas, propane or Electric heating system is more typically more affordable, efficient, and provides more effective heat than oil. This makes it more attractive for potential buyers, and is often a great return on investment.
  
  Other things to consider:

Natural gas is typically still cheaper than propane but is not always available in all areas. When it is available, it provides a constant supply of gas instead of being stored in a tank onsite. No refills are required, and it will always be readily available.

How does a conversion work?

• Converting from an Existing Forced-Air System
  If you already have a forced air furnace system the process of switching from Oil to Gas, or Oil to Electric is much easier. The duct work system for this is typically already in place and switching out the actual furnace units is simpler.  If you aren’t sure which type of system you have, we’d be happy to do an in-person or digital consultation to help you determine what steps will be required to give you the system you’re looking for.
  
  
• Converting from Electric Baseboard Heating or a Boiler System.
  If you are converting from one of these units, you home most likely doesn’t have any ductwork, which makes the switch more costly and complicated. Installing ductwork throughout your house is a pretty big job, and usually requires heat-loss calculations to be done by an engineer (this can cost about $500 – 800) in order to determine where the heating ducts will go.

  We then need to install all the ducts and venting, before the furnace can be installed. This type of conversion can sometimes over $10,000 when all is said and done, so it is worth some consideration as to whether it’s an investment you still want to make. 
  
  GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH GRANTS

  Right now you can offset some of that cost by applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grant which will cover up to $6500 in rebates for an eligible heat pump system upgrade and an additional $5000 in rebates if you qualify for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant and convert from Oil to Heat Pumps, which comes out in early 2023.

  If you’re not sure if a conversion is right for you, you may be able to install a ductless mini-split heat pump instead which also qualifies for the rebate program. 

  While Switching from Oil to Gas, Oil to Electric or Oil to Heat Pump can be slightly more costly in the beginning, the higher efficiency systems, especially heat pumps will typically pay off in the long run, especially if you’re able to offset the cost of converting with some of the available grants in the Canada Greener Homes Program. 

Depending on your existing system, the average conversion typically costs $5000-$8000. Ready to get started? Contact us today!