More considering switch from oil to natural gas

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - As the temperatures drop, many are bracing for the cost of heating this winter. With oil prices still high, more homeowners than ever before are considering the switch from oil to gas heat.

“Oil to gas conversions have been very popular, and it seems like this year they are more popular than ever,” said Gary Wilson of Wilson Services , a heating ventilation and air conditioning company in Northampton.

“The cost of natural gas is much less than no. 2 fuel oil."

Even those who already have gas are making the switch to more energy efficient boilers.

"Some people want to do something more efficient by changing out their whole boiler or furnace,” Wilson said.

If you want to make the switch, there are a few things to consider. It will cost a couple thousand to start off with: a simple gas-to-oil converter is the cheapest way, switching out your boiler or furnace is more efficient, but also more expensive.

Also, if your home doesn't already have a natural gas hook up, it can be a process to get the gas company to set that up.

But for many, the savings are worth it.

“Coming up with a minimum, $300, $400 just to get a minimum of 100 gallons, who's got that kind of money on hand in this economy?” Chester Barnes of East Windsor, Connecticut said. “It’s ridiculous.”

It’s not just individual homeowners that are converting. Mark Dupont, a spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield told 22News that several churches in the area have also made the switch, hoping to save money in the long run.