Should you convert your home from oil to natural gas heating? Greener ways of heating our homes and how to make the switch

What is natural gas?

Natural gas (NG) is a fossil fuel mix that is composed primarily of methane, with small amounts of other gases such as ethane, propane, and butane. It is found deep beneath the earth’s surface, often trapped in underground rock formations. Natural gas is formed over millions of years by the decomposition of organic matter, such as dead plants that have been buried under layers of sediment.

Natural gas is extracted using a drilling process, either through conventional methods or hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). It is then processed to remove impurities and delivered to homes and businesses through a network of underground pipelines. Natural gas is typically used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity, as it burns cleanly and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. It is also versatile and can be used for a variety of industrial processes.

Converting a home in the UK to natural gas can bring several benefits, both in terms of convenience and energy efficiency. NG is a cleaner and more efficient fuel than oil or coal, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions when you heat your home. Additionally, natural gas is piped directly into homes through a network of underground pipelines, meaning there’s no need for storage tanks or deliveries, making it a more convenient and reliable source of energy for heating and cooking. With most homes in the UK already connected to the gas grid, converting to NG can be a simple and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

How do I know if I am using oil or gas central heating at home?

If you’re not sure whether your home uses oil or natural gas, there are a few ways to find out:

1. Check your utility bills: Your energy bills should state which type of fuel you use, and how much you are being charged for it. If you see a charge for “natural gas” or “oil,” that will indicate which fuel your home uses.
2. Look for a gas meter: If your home has a gas meter, it’s a good sign that you use natural gas. The meter should be located outside your home, near the gas line that runs into your property. If you’re not sure what a gas meter looks like, it’s typically a metal box with a round gauge on the front that shows how much gas you’ve used.
3. Check your heating system: If you have a boiler or furnace, check the owner’s manual or look for a label on the unit that specifies what type of fuel it uses. If you see a label that says “natural gas,” that means your home uses a gas boiler for heating. If it says “oil,” then you have an oil-fired system.
4. Ask a professional: If you’re still not sure what type of fuel your home uses, you can ask a professional to come and inspect your heating technology. A heating engineer or plumber should be able to tell you which fuel your system is designed to use, and offer advice on any upgrades or conversions that might be necessary.

Your electric heater does not need to be considered when you are looking to switch to natural gas as this does not use either method. While electric systems do not require natural gas or oil to operate, the electricity used to power them may come from a variety of sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear power, hydropower, wind, and solar energy, so they are not going to help you define the source. With this in mind, the environmental impact of electric heating depends on the source of the electricity that powers it; If the electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind or solar, then the system can be considered more environmentally friendly and sometimes more energy efficient than a system that relies on fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil.

How to make the switch?

Switching from oil to natural gas heating can bring several benefits, including lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. If you find that you are using oil for your domestic heating, here are the steps a homeowner could take to switch to the natural gas network.

1. Check if natural gas is available in your area: The first step is to find out if natural gas is available in your area. You can contact your local gas company or check their website to find out if there is a gas system line in your area.
2. Pick a supplier for your home heating: Once you’ve confirmed that natural gas is available, you’ll need to choose a gas supplier. There are several gas suppliers in the UK, and you can compare prices and services to find the best one for your needs.
3. Install a gas connection: To use natural gas, you’ll need to have a gas connection installed in your home. This will involve running a gas line from the street to your home and installing a meter and other necessary equipment. You’ll need to hire a qualified gas engineer to install the gas connection, and they will need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your local council.
4. Remove the oil tank and heating equipment: Once the gas connection is installed, you’ll need to remove your tank and any oil-fired heating equipment, such as a boiler or furnace. This will involve draining the oil tank, disconnecting the oil lines, and removing the equipment from your home. You may need to hire a professional to do this work, as it can be complex and dangerous.
5. Install NG heating equipment: Once the tank and heating equipment have been removed, you’ll need to install NG heating equipment, such as a gas boiler or furnace. Again, you’ll need to hire a qualified gas engineer to do this work, and they will need to obtain any necessary permits and approvals.
6. Test and commission the new system: After the NG heating equipment is installed, it will need to be tested and commissioned to ensure it is working properly. This will involve checking for leaks, adjusting the gas pressure, and ensuring that the system is heating your home effectively and efficiently.

What are the costs of switching your home from oil to natural gas?

The costs of converting a home to natural gas in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the property, the type of heating system being installed, and the distance between the property and the gas mains. However, here are some estimated costs: