Oil Boiler to Gas: Costs, Advantages | Comprehensive Guide

Considering converting your oil boiler to gas? Discover the benefits, likely costs, and how to book a professional survey and quote.

Can an Oil Boiler Be Converted into a Gas Boiler?

Yes — in many cases an oil boiler can be converted to run on natural gas, but whether it’s practical or allowed depends on the boiler model, the availability of a gas supply, local regulations, and safety considerations. Some older oil boilers cannot be safely or economically converted and are better replaced with a modern gas-fired unit designed for gas burners. A qualified heating engineer should inspect the existing oil boiler and the site to give a definitive recommendation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Converting an Oil Boiler to a Gas Boiler

Advantages of converting an oil boiler to gas

• Lower fuel cost and running expenses: In many regions natural gas is cheaper per kWh than heating oil, which reduces operating cost.

• Cleaner emissions: Gas burns cleaner than oil — lower particulates and sulfur dioxide — helping with emissions compliance and local air quality.

• Lower maintenance: Gas systems generally need less frequent burner maintenance and no oil tank management (no delivery, no tank corrosion risk).

• Space and convenience: Eliminates the need for an on-site oil tank and fuel deliveries.

• Modern options: Converting or replacing with a condensing gas boiler can improve overall system efficiency significantly.

Disadvantages and limitations of converting an oil boiler to gas

• Upfront cost: Conversion or replacement requires parts, labour, possible chimney/flue modifications, and gas service work. Initial outlay can be significant.

• Not always feasible: Some oil boilers are not suitable for safe conversion (design limitations, age, or manufacturer restrictions).

• Gas supply required: If there’s no municipal gas pipe nearby you may need an expensive gas connection or consider LPG — which has different costs and logistics.

• Regulations and permits: Gas work must meet local codes and usually needs certified technicians and official permits/inspections.

• Safety considerations: Incorrect conversion or poor installation increases the risk of leaks, carbon monoxide or combustion problems — professional installation and commissioning are essential.

Converting an Oil Boiler to Gas: Cost (What to Expect)

Conversion costs vary widely by country, property type, and project scope. Factors that affect cost include: whether the existing boiler is convertible, the required burner and control parts, flue/chimney modifications, gas supply installation, labour rates, and required safety inspections.

Typical cost components:

• Site survey & design — professional inspection and advice.

• Gas burner kit or new boiler — sometimes replacing the entire boiler is more cost-effective than retrofitting.

• Gas supply connection — tie-in to municipal gas network or LPG tank delivery.

• Flue/venting work — may need new stainless flue liners or concentric flues.

• Controls, piping & valves — new gas piping, safety shutoffs, thermostats.

• Labour, testing & certification — commissioning and safety certificate.

Estimated ranges (very approximate):

• Small domestic conversion (if boiler is convertible and gas supply exists): a few thousand USD / equivalent in local currency.

• Domestic replacement with a new gas boiler: typically several thousand to low-five figures (USD) depending on boiler capacity and complexity.

• Commercial or large industrial systems: can be tens of thousands USD or more — often a bespoke quotation is required.

Because prices and regulations differ widely, we recommend obtaining a site-specific quotation. We provide free initial assessments and tailored quotes.

How to Contact a Boiler Renovation Service Provider for Oil Boiler to Gas Conversion

If you’re interested in assessment, conversion, or a full replacement, contact us (we handle new boiler customization and boiler modification):

• WhatsApp: +86 18266957295

• Email: [email protected]

When you contact us, please provide:

1. Boiler make, model and age (if known).

2. Boiler capacity or rating (kW, BTU, or t/h).

3. Photos of the boiler, burner area, flue, and any existing oil tank.

4. Whether a natural gas pipeline is available on-site (or if you’ll consider LPG).

5. Your location and preferred contact times.

We will arrange a site survey, explain available options (retrofit vs replacement), outline likely costs, and provide a safety-led installation plan and certification.

Short Checklist Before You Convert an Oil Boiler to Gas

• Confirm gas supply availability (mains vs LPG).

• Check whether your existing boiler is convertible (manufacturer guidance).

• Get a qualified heating engineer to survey and quote.

• Ensure permits and safety certificates will be provided after installation.

• Compare total lifecycle costs (fuel + maintenance) before deciding.

Oil Boiler to Gas FAQ

Natural gas or LPG — which should I choose?

• Natural gas (mains): usually cheaper per kWh and easiest if available on site.

• LPG: good alternative where mains gas is not available, but typically higher fuel cost and requires an LPG tank.
  Choice depends on local availability, long-term fuel price expectations and space for tanks.

How long does a conversion usually take?

For a typical domestic property where conversion is feasible, physical works often take one to several days (survey, parts, installation, commissioning). Larger systems or work requiring gas-main connections or flue rebuilding take longer. Final scheduling is provided with the written quote.

How do I prepare for a site survey?

Have the following ready if possible:

• Boiler make, model and serial number; age of the boiler.

• Heating capacity (kW, BTU or t/h) or the building/plant size.

• Photos of the boiler, burner area, flue/chimney and the oil tank.

• Location plan and whether natural gas mains are available nearby.
  Send these via WhatsApp or email to speed up the assessment.

Will I need new controls or pumps?

Often yes — when changing fuel type we commonly update burner controls, safety devices and sometimes circulation pumps to ensure safe, efficient operation and compatibility with the new burner.