Q: Can I convert my oil furnace to gas?

• <div><p>Yes, it&rsquo;s possible to convert an oil furnace to gas. However, you may have to replace the furnace completely instead of simply converting it. If the original oil furnace has had any type of damage or is older (typically considered over 15 years old), then you will likely need a full replacement versus a conversion.</p></div>

Q: Is there any benefit to removing a gas line over placing a cap on it?

• <div><p>You may want to remove the gas line if it&rsquo;s unsightly or if it&rsquo;s causing a problem with future appliances. The downside is if you decide to go back to gas, you would need to run a new gas line to the area. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-average-cost-85-run-natural-gas-line.htm">average cost to run a new gas line</a> is <b>$550</b>, but the installation can range anywhere from <b>$120 to $1,350</b>.</p></div>

Question 1

How long does it take to install a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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Installing a gas line is no simple task. From start to finish, you’re looking at anywhere from six to 12 weeks to acquire the correct permits, dig a trench, and connect your appliances. Naturally, the longer the gas line, the longer it will take to complete. If your plumber needs to hire additional contractors to dig trenches and navigate around or remove obstacles, this could put you at the longer end of the timeframe.

Once the land is prepped and licenses acquired, installing the actual line may only take a few days to a few weeks, weather permitting.

Question 2

Can I convert my oil furnace to gas?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, it’s possible to convert an oil furnace to gas. However, you may have to replace the furnace completely instead of simply converting it. If the original oil furnace has had any type of damage or is older (typically considered over 15 years old), then you will likely need a full replacement versus a conversion.

Question 3

Can you plant a tree over a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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No, you cannot plant a tree above a gas line. Tree roots grow and spread over time and can sometimes dent, crack, or penetrate a gas line. Those same roots may also cause accessibility problems for maintenance or repairs. You can generally plant vegetation with non-invasive root systems, low-growing vegetation, and flower beds near gas lines.

Question 4

Is there any benefit to removing a gas line over placing a cap on it?

Accepted Answer

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You may want to remove the gas line if it’s unsightly or if it’s causing a problem with future appliances. The downside is if you decide to go back to gas, you would need to run a new gas line to the area. The average cost to run a new gas line is $550, but the installation can range anywhere from $120 to $1,350.

Question 5

How much does a gas fireplace increase your gas bill?

Accepted Answer

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The effect a gas fireplace has on your gas bill will depend on how often you use it, the size of the rooms you’re heating with it, and the BTUs of the fireplace itself, but generally speaking, it should only cost a few cents an hour to run it when it’s on. It will consume minimal energy when it’s “off” if you have a pilot light running constantly, but some modern gas fireplaces don’t require a constant pilot light.