Cost of Switching from propane to natural gas (appliances, how much)

[Mmm715]

Never done this before... Never had anything but natural gas. How much can I expect to pay to have natural gas connected to my home (and to have the propane removed). I understand natural gas to be much less expensive, but I'm wondering if the connect/switching costs will be more than we can bite off right now. Waiting on a call back from the gas company, but they said it will probably be tomorrow before someone contacts me :/

Thanks!

[gcretro]

Interesting. So what to homes in the area typically have? Mine is a late 2006 built home and PSNC is the gas provider.

[Starglow]

It really depends on the location of a suitable gas main relative to your property as to whether PSNC can provide service to your home. If your current gas appliances are set up for natural gas then the burner jets will need to be converted to use propane, and that is assuming conversion kits are even available for them.

[rfb]

I did this a few years ago., but can't remember the exact costs. You will need to convert any gas appliances from propane to natural gas, replace the hot water heater if it uses gas, and having the propane tank removed from your property. For appliances, think fire places, range tops, and HVACs. The conversion is pretty simple, and involves swapping the propane regulator with one made for natural gas (I believe the part was the regulator). The hot water heater we had was propane-specific and had to be replaced (we opted for a tankless hot water heater). You will also want your propane company to dig up and remove the propane tank. This can be anywhere from free to several hundred dollars, depending on the company you are dealing with. The propane company will pump out the propane from the tank and reimburse you - in my case, $0.25 a gallon less than what I paid when I purchased the propane, dig up the tank and haul it off, and do a poor job of filling the hole with dirt.

I've been quite happy with the cost savings from switching to natural gas, and would do it without reservation if I was in a home with propane and natural gas was an option.

[TabbyCats]

Originally Posted by rfb

I did this a few years ago., but can't remember the exact costs.

Do you think you recouped your conversion costs in the first couple of years? Our subdivision is slated to have gas line available to it by next winter (hopefully!) if enough households will convert. Some only seem concerned that they have to pay to convert and don't understand that propane is more expensive than NG and that they'd soon come out ahead if they go NG.

Thanks.