Gas heat conversion: time is running out

Gas heat is a popular way to heat your home and this is no fluke. Oil to gas heat conversions are a way for the homeowner to save money and conserve energy. Even though the temperatures are scorching now, soon they will be dropping and we will look to our thermostat to provide some relief from the cold. When you turn on your heat, is it gas heat or oil heat? Last winter, gas heat was priced at approximately $2.50 less per gallon than the oil equivalent – that can add up to big savings if you convert.

Homeowners who are considering an oil to gas heat conversion are running out of time if they don’t have a gas line to their home or if the gas line they have is old and needs to be replaced. The energy companies are now quoting customers a 10 week wait to have the gas line installed. Once it gets cold, the energy companies stop installing new lines until the spring.

Because of the cost, many homeowners are taking advantage of the zero percent HEAT Loan offered by Mass Save. If you would like to hop on board for the savings associated with gas heat and take advantage of the interest free loan (for up to 7 years!) here are the steps you need to follow:

No gas line to home:

1. Call licensed plumber who specializes in heating to come to your home and give you a written, detailed estimate
2. Call gas company to have service line installed
3. Arrange a free in home energy assessment via the Mass Save website
4. Submit detailed quote to Mass Save for review and approval
5. Mass Save will give you the name of your local bank that works with them on HEAT Loan program
6. Receive interest free, 7 year loan to pay for your gas heat conversion

Gas line is already in home:

1. Call licensed plumber who specializes in heating to come to your home and give you a written, detailed estimate
2. Arrange a free in home energy assessment via the Mass Save website
3. Submit detailed quote to Mass Save for review and approval
4. Mass Save will give you the name of your local bank that works with them on the HEAT Loan  program
5. Receive interest free, 7 year loan to pay for your gas heat conversion

Like all processes, you may need some help. Your plumber will be able to help you navigate the system and complete all of the paperwork necessary. If you are converting to gas heat, you need to get moving – winter will be here before you know it!