Switching to Natural Gas: What You Need to Know Before Replacing an Oi

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Mike Sanders has had enough of unpredictable oil delivery costs and the constant maintenance demands of his aging system. He’s ready to make the switch to natural gas—but wants to be sure he’s not stepping into a project full of surprise costs and red tape.

If you’re thinking about replacing an oil boiler with a natural gas system like the Weil-McLain CGA-4 Series 3, this guide will walk you through everything you need to consider: from utility access to equipment differences and what it means for your wallet.

🛢️ 1. Why Switch from Oil to Natural Gas?

✅ Pros:

Lower operating costs (natural gas is ~25–40% cheaper per BTU)
Cleaner combustion (less soot and residue)
More efficient heat delivery
No more fuel deliveries
May increase home value

❌ Cons:

Upfront cost of conversion
Must have natural gas service nearby
Chimney liner and burner replacement often required

📊 U.S. Energy Information Administration – Fuel Cost Comparison

🏙️ 2. Do You Have Access to a Natural Gas Utility Line?

Before anything else:

Call your local gas utility
Ask: "Is gas service available at my address?"
Request: "Line installation cost estimate"

Scenarios:

Urban/Suburban Homes: Likely already connected
Rural Homes: May require 50–200 ft gas line trenching ($15–$25/ft)

🔌 Utility line install cost: $500–$5,000 depending on distance and municipal fees

📝 Mike’s Tip: Always confirm local ordinances or fees for new gas hookups.

🔧 3. What Needs to Be Replaced (and What Can Stay)?

Component	Reuse?	Notes
Radiators/baseboards	✅	No change needed
Distribution piping	✅	Compatible with hot water or steam
Oil tank	❌	Must be decommissioned and removed
Oil burner	❌	Replaced with natural gas burner
Boiler (if replacing)	❌	Choose gas-rated model (like CGA-4)
Chimney/vent	⚠️	Must be relined for gas venting per code
Thermostat	✅	No change unless upgrading controls

📘 Weil-McLain CGA-4 Installation Manual

🔥 4. Why the Chimney Liner Matters

Oil-fired boilers produce hotter, drier exhaust than gas. When you switch fuels, your masonry chimney may be oversized or unlined.

Code Requires:

Stainless steel chimney liner for safe gas exhaust venting
Protects against condensation, draft failure, and CO risk

💸 Liner cost: $1,000–$2,500 installed

🔗 CSIA Chimney Liner Info

➡️ Required for venting the CGA-4 unless using a B-vent system.

🧯 5. Permits and Safety Checks

Switching fuels isn’t just plug-and-play—it requires inspections and permits:

Gas permit (municipal)
HVAC/mechanical permit
Utility inspection of meter and supply line
CO detector installation often mandatory with gas appliances

📋 Plan for $300–$800 in permits and inspection fees

🛠️ Ask your contractor to bundle all permitting into their quote.

💸 6. Total Cost of Oil-to-Gas Conversion (2025 Estimates)

Item	Cost Range
Remove old oil boiler & tank	$750–$1,500
Gas line to house (if needed)	$1,000–$5,000
Chimney liner install	$1,000–$2,500
New CGA-4 boiler + labor	$4,000–$6,500
Permits/inspection fees	$300–$800
Total Estimate	$7,000–$16,000

🧠 Mike’s advice: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed HVAC contractors. Ask for line-item breakdowns.

📉 7. Long-Term Fuel Cost Savings

Fuel Type	Cost/Unit (2025 avg)	Cost per MMBTU
Heating oil	$4.75/gallon	~$34–$36
Natural gas	$1.40/therm	~$14–$16

➡️ Typical savings: $1,000–$1,500/year for a 2,000 sq ft home

⏳ Payback period: ~6–8 years

🔗 EIA Fuel Price Trends

📋 8. Steps to Convert from Oil to Gas

Confirm utility access and meter sizing
Get multiple quotes from HVAC contractors
Schedule old boiler/tank removal
Install new gas boiler and chimney liner
Pass municipal and utility inspections
Final hookup and CO detector verification

➡️ Plan for 2–3 days of downtime during conversion

🧯 Mike’s Tip: Do it in early fall—before winter rush hits.

✅ Conclusion: Is Switching from Oil Worth It?

For Mike Sanders—and thousands of smart homeowners like him—switching from oil to natural gas can save thousands over time, while reducing hassle and improving reliability.

If you: