If you're thinking of switching to natural gas, you don't have to leave us as a customer. We can continue to provide the same quality service, because we install and service gas heating systems, too. However, before you make the switch, we encourage you to talk to us first. We want you to make the choice that's right for you, your family and your budget.

1. In the past, heating oil has been a better value than gas heat. According to the US Department of Energy, heating oil has historically been less expensive than utility gas in Massachusetts, on a BTU-for-BTU basis.
2. In the future, heating oil may remain a better value than gas heat. Right now, natural gas may have the price advantage, but according to industry analysts, not for long. A combination of economic recovery, increased liquefied natural gas exports and more natural gas used in power production could raise natural gas prices by 25 to 50%.
3. Converting to natural gas is NOT cost-effective: In fact, it can cost up to $10,000 and maybe more. In addition to installing a new boiler or furnace, you might need to reline your chimney; install a gas line; install an excess flow valve to protect against fire or explosion; plumb and wire the new system; and remove or abandon your oil tank.
4. Upgrading your heating oil equipment can cost half as much as converting to gas heat. Upgrading your oil-fired boiler or furnace can save you as much as 40% off your home heating costs. (For less money, you can install a fuel-economizing control or a programmable thermostat and save about 10%.) Money Magazine put it best when it reported that upgrading an heating oil system could "save you more money than any other home improvement project" and concluded that "the cost of converting would probably be higher than the savings."
5. Heating oil is getting cleaner all the time. The gas utilities call their fuel "clean," but the truth is, heating oil is getting cleaner while natural gas stays the same. Why? Because traditional heating oil is being replaced by a blend of ultra-low sulfur petroleum and renewable biofuel. Once the biofuel component exceeds 10%, the new heating oil burns more cleanly than natural gas (which cannot be blended with renewable resources).

Again, we advise you to consider carefully whether switching to natural gas is the right choice for you ... and then talk to us. We're here to help!

For more eye-opening information about natural gas, please visit the American Energy Coalition's website.