A Natural Gas
Conversion Guide
from
Choosing Natural Gas for Your Home
• Natural gas costs less than heating oil,
propane, and electricity to heat a home.
• Natural gas burns cleaner than any fossil fuel.
• Natural gas is versatile—it can be used to fuel
almost any indoor and outdoor application.
Natural Gas Offers Many Advantages and Options
Choosing natural gas for your home offers many benefits
and advantages that will help you save money, improve
the environment, and increase your comfort. Whether
you currently are using heating oil, propane, or electricity,
switching to gas is the natural choice for home heating,
water heating, cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, and
outdoor living applications.
Lower Your Energy Costs
Natural gas has historically cost 10 to 50% less than
electricity, heating oil, or propane. Today, the savings are
even greater. In 2013, average natural gas heating costs
were 56% less than heating oil, 59% less than propane,
and 67% less than electricity.*
In addition, natural gas heating systems cost less to
maintain and have higher efficiencies than heating oil
systems. Gas furnaces are up to 98% efficient. Heating oil
systems can reach maximum efficiency levels of only 87%.
The Right Choice for the Environment
Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel available.
Homeowners can reduce carbon emissions by over 40%
and virtually eliminate sulfur dioxide emissions if they
switch from heating oil to natural gas.
Natural gas is non-toxic and will not contaminate
groundwater or soil. Heating oil is sometimes stored in
underground tanks that can leak and contaminate water
and soil—damaging the environment and leaving you with
the clean-up costs.
*Source: Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration
Advantages of natural gas:
• Lower energy costs—natural gas
is the most economical option for
homeowners.
• Increased comfort—natural gas
provides warmer air and heats your
home faster than electricity.
• Better for the environment—natural
gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel.
• No need to schedule a delivery—
with natural gas, you never run out of
fuel.
• Pay after you use the gas—unlike
propane and heating oil, there is no
pre-payment for fuel stored in a tank.
• Reliable, dependable fuel source—
Over 97% of natural gas supplies
come from North America.
• Ride out the storm—Many natural
gas appliances will operate during a
power outage and whole house gas
generators make your home secure.
Making the switch is easy
If there is no current natural gas
connection to your home, call
National Fuel to determine if
service is available. We will guide
you through the process of getting
a service, meter installed, and
activating service to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the cost for new service line installations?
Cost is determined by the distance from the main gas line to the gas meter set location. A cost per foot, based
on the appropriate service size, determines the project cost. Each new residential customer receives 100 feet
of service line, measured from the center line of the road at no charge.
How are costs determined when a group of people request a gas main line extension to a
neighborhood?
Each customer’s Service Line cost will be calculated as described above. However, the main line extension
costs will be divided between the number of customers involved. Each customer will receive a slightly different
invoice amount as each Main Line cost will vary based on appliance, usage, and square footage of the house.
Will natural gas still save me money when I have to pay for service?
In many cases natural gas will still save you money. We will provide fuel price comparisons to help
you calculate your savings and payback period. For example, do you expect to recoup your investment in two,
three, or five years?
I’m considering buying or building; can I get an estimate on the cost of getting service?
Yes, we will measure the distance from the nearest line to the proposed site. Building size, anticipated gas
usage, occupancy and intended use of the building will assist in the accuracy of the estimate. Unforeseen
construction conditions may cause additional charges.
How much advance notice does National Fuel need in order to install a new service?
Normal installation time for a service only and meter set application 2-3 weeks. Main line extensions may
require 4-6 months. Some Main Line projects may require less time depending on the number of participants
and the distance to the Main Line.
Can I install my own service and trench for main line to save cost?
On a case by case basis, National Fuel does permit customers to trench for the service line but not the main
line. The per foot service line charge may be reduced, resulting in a lower customer cost for service. However,
short distances may not prove to be cost effective.
What is the procedure to get natural gas service for a manufactured home?
Since there is no real construction time, our procedure is activated by the foundation start date. It is critical that
customers meet with our representatives before the foundation start date. This will enable us to install the gas
service soon after your home arrives.
Conversion of Appliances:
Most propane furnaces, fireplaces and some stoves can be converted to natural gas by simply changing the
orifice. Hot water tanks vary in their conversion capabilities. In order to convert your heating and appliances,
please consult with a licensed heating contractor or plumber.
House Piping:
All inside and outside house piping is the responsibility of the customer. We recommend that you consult with a
licensed plumber.
*Please note: National Fuel does not light new appliances.*
Installing Your Service Line and Gas Meter:
For New Buildings - The foundation must be completed, the meter location must be marked, back-filled
to final grade and free of obstructions. For Existing Buildings - Customer must sign a conversion agreement.
Restoration:
National Fuel will backfill the mainline trench and, depending on the project, may provide limited property
restoration. National Fuel will backfill the new service trench with original soil, but willnot restore your lawn or
lanscaping.
For more detailed information, contact the New Services Department: 1-800-295-0059 or (716) 827-2343 (NY)
Convert to Natural Gas and Save Money!
Estimated Annual Energy Costs
Appliance/Equipment Type
Whole House Heating
Water Heating (storage)
Water Heating (tankless)
Cooking
Clothes Drying
Indoor Fireplaces
Outdoor Grills
Garage & Space Heaters
Pool/Spa Heaters
Natural Gas
$736 $192 $154 $41 $45 $79 $22 $22 $544 Electricity
$2,568 $429 $466 $157 $170 $241 $85 $79 $1,651 Propane
$2,163 $564 $452 $122 $132 $233 $66 $63 $1,600 Conversion Source: NYSERDA's New York State Energy Profiles (19972011) Patterns and Trends
CONVERTING YOUR HOME TO NATURAL GAS IS EASY!
1. Check for Natural Gas availability—Go to www.NationalFuelGas.com or call
National Fuel at 1-800-295-0059 or (716) 827-2343 to speak with a New Services
representative.
2. Compare Cost—As seen in the chart above, depending on your current fuel type
and the equipment you convert to natural gas, you may reduce your annual energy bills
by 60% or higher.
3. Convert Your Home To Natural Gas—Contact National Fuel’s New Services
Department at 1-800-295-0059 or (716) 827-2343 or submit an application on-line. A
National Fuel representative will be assigned to you and help you through this process.
• Check for any low interest loan programs for energy efficient equipment at
www.energystar.gov/taxcredits for detailed information.
• Consider convenient Balanced Billing options offered through National Fuel.
4.
Find an HVAC Contractor—You may already have a preferred contractor or
you may want to visit www.NationalFuelGas.com. Select “Saving Money with Natural
Gas Equipment” to view a list of National Fuel Energy Partners. Your National Fuel
representative will also be able to supply a list of Energy Partners in your area.
For more detailed information, contact the New Services Department: 1-800-295-0059 or (716) 827-2343 (NY)