January 23, 2019
What Should You Be Aware of When Converting from Propane to Natural Gas Heating?
Recently, word came out that the moratorium on natural gas conversions was about to be lifted on Cape Cod, from Dennis to Eastham. By May 2019, National Grid is scheduled to be able to start converting homes from propane to natural gas heating. Do you live in this area? Would you be interested in converting from propane to natural gas heating? If so, you may be considering a professional natural gas conversion of your heating system. But, how can you accomplish this? What do you need to keep in mind?
At Hall Oil, we want to keep our customers and neighbors informed. We also want to make sure that if you do undergo a conversion from propane to natural gas heating, that you do it safely. Continue reading on to learn about the top considerations you need to be aware of if you want to pursue natural gas conversions on Cape Cod.
Top Considerations for Natural Gas Conversions on Cape Cod:
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Updates to Appliances
Most appliances can work with either propane or natural gas. However, it is important to keep in mind that when you are converting from propane to natural gas, your appliances will need to receive some important updates. These special updates are both necessary so that your appliances work effectively and safely. This comes in the form of special gas utilization fittings for each fuel source in each appliance. Propane and natural gas operate with different levels of pressure. As a result, the sizes of the orifices for each fuel are different. In addition, regulators and burners will need to be adjusted as well.
Therefore, it is extremely important seek the help of certified professionals, like Hall Oil, to perform this natural gas conversion. We have technicians with the necessary Gas Fitter and Plumber licensing, plus the training, equipment, and parts to successfully and safely convert your appliances from propane to natural gas ready.
Another thing to consider is that your appliances may not be convertible at all. In this case, you might need to buy new appliances that will work with natural gas. This is something else that you could ask your Hall Oil service professional during a consultation.
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Impact On Your Yard
How can you get natural gas directly to your home? Once a natural gas line is available in your neighborhood, it still needs to be delivered straight to your home. This is different from propane, where you have a tank on your property.
So, in order to deliver the natural gas line to your home, your yard will need to be impacted. The equipment that is used to bring an underground natural gas line to your home under the lawn will have limited visible effects. If National Grid hits a sprinkler line, they will generally take care of that. Before any digging or tunneling is allowed in your yard, National Grid will contact Dig Safe to locate all the underground utilities. If you are not connected to a Town Septic system, you will have to provide a plot plan showing the location of the septic system on the property. This is easily obtained from the Health Department of your town.
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Propane Tank Removal
So, now that you’re converted to natural gas heating, what do you do with the propane tank buried in your yard or sitting above ground? You should contact your propane supplier for the next steps regarding removal of your tank. Depending on whether you own or lease your propane tank, the responsibility to remove the tank from the ground could be yours or the LP company. Regardless, the propane supplier can guide you in this process.
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Professional Installation
As you go through the process of converting from propane to natural gas heating fuel, make sure you use qualified professionals, who are proven, reputable, experienced, and licensed in the right fields of expertise. In this case, you will want to look for professionals with the proper Gas Fitter or Plumbing licenses. You don’t want to screw around with home heating fuels. Keep you and your family safe by making the right choice – utilizing a Gas Fitter or Plumber in the Cape Cod area. On top of that, you can look for professionals who are affiliated or partners with the natural gas companies.
Related: 10 Reasons To Get An Annual Heating Tune-up
Hall Oil Gas and Electric: A Value Plus Installer for National Grid Since 1989
Hall Oil Gas and Electric is Cape Cod’s premier source for your heating fuel, HVAC, gas fitter, and plumbing needs. If you are in the area between Dennis and Eastham, and you are considering converting from propane to natural gas heating, reach out to us. As a Value Plus Installer for National Grid since 1989, we are the #1 choice for natural gas conversion projects. We had to apply to be accepted and approved by National Grid for this designation. Our service technicians are experienced, insured, and ready to expertly facilitate your natural gas conversion.
Hall Oil services all of Cape Cod, from Mashpee to Truro. We are proud to deliver quality heating oil and perform professional heating services to our customers. If you need a natural gas conversion, or another type of HVAC installation, we can help. Whether it is boilers, furnaces, water heaters, ductless mini splits, oil tanks, grills, gas inserts, gas fireplaces, or electrical installations, we’ve got you covered. We have better knowledge and reference sources than a lot of our competitors on installing various types of gas equipment.
Reach out to us with any questions, to request service, or to become a Hall Oil customer. Visit us in our South Dennis office location, give us a call at 508-398-3831, or contact us online for more information.
