Transitioning From Propane to Natural Gas…What’s Involved?
Are you thinking about making the transition to natural gas? We’ll assist you in making the best choice for keeping your home warm. Here’s some information on how to make the switch to natural gas in your home.
Natural gas is a type of energy that comes from deep within the earth’s crust. It is a cost-effective, reliable, and easily available energy source for heating your home that burns cleaner than other fossil fuels.
What Are the Benefits of Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a cost-effective and safe alternative to other fuels. Its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness will improve your home.
There are a number of benefits included when switching to a natural gas-powered home. Some benefits included are:
Energy-Efficiency
Natural gas appliances are more energy-efficient than traditional appliances since they create more heat. Despite being a fossil fuel, emits less carbon than coal due to its chemical makeup.
Convenience
You don’t need to replenish natural gas because it comes from an underground conduit. You have access to it through a meter in your home, rather than checking meters and requesting delivery. Instead of worrying about when you’ll need to refill your energy supply, you can enjoy the autonomy of it. You can save room on your property by eliminating the requirement for a gas tank.
Reliability
Natural gas gives you and your family peace of mind about the comfort and efficiency of your home. You can heat your home, make food, and do other things even if there is a power outage or a storm. Because it is delivered underground, it is not affected by severe weather or downed electrical lines. There will be no unexpected power outages due to a lack of energy supplies.
Safety
Natural gas is deemed safe to use if it is used properly and the prescribed safety procedures are followed. Production, manufacture, and distribution are all governed by federal rules. You’ll need licenses from the local government to keep track of what you use when you sign up to convert your home’s energy source. Depending on where you reside, you’ll need different permits for your installation.
Cost-Effectiveness
Because natural gas is kept underground in pipes, you’ll always have a supply. Even as demand develops, the price remains low due to its widespread availability across the country. Switching can save you hundreds of dollars per month.
How Do I Find Out If Natural Gas is Available in my Area?
Natural gas may or may not be available in your area, depending on where you reside. It is being used to heat around half of the country’s households, and gas lines are available in forty-eight states.
The northeastern United States is home to the majority of natural gas users. To see if it’s accessible in your area, you may:
Get in Touch With Your Local Natural Gas Utility
Find out if you can connect your home’s energy supply to a natural gas line by doing a fast web search. Many websites may ask for your zip code before showing you where you can get it.
Ask Your Local Utility Company
Your local gas company will be able to tell you whether regions have natural gas services. You might also inquire about the steps required in converting to natural gas heat with a local company.
Consult Your Friends and Family
Are any of your neighbors’ homes equipped with natural gas? If they’ve lived in the area for a while, they could know who to contact for more information.
How Do I Make The Switch?
Contact a Credible HVAC Company
Find a reputable HVAC firm that provides this conversion as a service by calling or searching online. These industry specialists can answer all of your questions and guide you through the conversion process. They will even inspect your home and gather information in order to present you with a pricing quote and a schedule.
Consult With the Natural Gas Utility Company
If natural gas is accessible in your area, contact the utility company. Often, the HVAC professional will be able to contact the utility provider on your behalf. Once the power company has approved your HVAC expert, they may begin requesting permits.
Obtain All Necessary Permits
Permits ensure that your installation complies with all applicable local safety laws. Permits are required to remove your oil tank and install natural gas.
This is usually taken care of by your HVAC professional. If you require additional assistance with this stage, the utility company can assist you. Put the permits in a safe place once you receive them from your local government office. If you sell your home, you’ll need to be able to refer to the papers.
Order Natural Gas-Compatible Appliances
Once your HVAC provider has received the necessary licenses, they may order energy-efficient natural gas appliances for your home. Some of your existing appliances may already be hooked up to it. Before attempting to convert your current appliances to it, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bring In a Gas Line
The utility company will run a gas line from your neighborhood’s main pipe to your home’s meter. The meter will then be connected to the heating plant by the HVAC specialist. An inspection will be scheduled by the technician to ensure that the installation is up to code. The gas company will switch on your gas once your energy source has passed inspection.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making the switch can be beneficial to your home for many reasons. Do some research in your area and see if it’s available. It’s pretty widespread in the United States, although the northeastern part uses it the most. If it is available, it wouldn’t hurt to do some research and consider making the switch.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
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We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
