Should I? Would you?

[B Smithers]

Well I have been pondering something for a week or so now. I received notice that that they will be running natural gas down my road, and have sent me all the needed documents to recieve install. My question is after years of hefty to ridiculous propane bills we installed our corn stoves and have been very happy with little to no propane use. Now I know natural gas is considerably cheaper, and I stand to save some money, however this is what I am struggling with. The company wants $5K to install, $200 hook up fee, I am responsible for converting all my appliances(common practice I know), I have to mark all underground utilities septic, well etc... And I am responsible for restoration of my yard when the install is complete! So all this and then they can sell me gas for the remainder of my time at this house. The cost seems very extreme, however several of the homes on my road have bought in, so I don't even think I can haggle with them.

So are there any of you who have been in my shoes recently and would care to share. And would you if you were me??

Thanks

 

[kappel15]

How long are you going to be at that home? I have natural gas and it is cheap at .88 a therm. Last three years it has been cheap. But prices can always change. Wasn't very cheap before these last three years. With what they want, and you have to do all the dirty work, I think I would pass. Esp. if you don't have that many years left there. Would be different if you was in your teens or 20's just starting out there. Just my two cents worth. kap

 

[xSpecBx]

I have not been in this position personally but just with someone i worked with in a similar position.

I think you need to ask yourself a few questions. How long do you plan on staying in the house? How much will it save you, either in work or money? Is that savings worth it to you?

 

[B Smithers]

Thanks to the both of you for the thoughts. We have lived in the home for 11 years and to be honest we had only planned to live here for 5yrs, but you know how life goes..... I have been tossing all your suggested questions around in my head for some time that's for sure. I will admit I value my time, but I do not put a price on it when it comes to my home and family it's just part of my duties.

 

[xSpecBx]

I can fully appreciate the thought process. I have oil and recently put in the pellet stove as way to augment my oil. If I had natural gas in the area I would have gone that route, but unfortunately my town does not. Than again, I'm also in my late 20's and have no plans of moving so putting $5k+ into a natural gas setup would most likely pay for itself.

To me, its a money question. Is spending the money going to either a) save you money or time (maybe you're one of those people who just enjoy hauling pellets/corn) and b) is it going to give you a return when you go to sell your house, whenever that is. I have no clue if it will add value to your home. I know right now, if I were looking for a home, I would be leaning towards one with natural gas, but than again, that's me. A lot of people don't think like that.

A good friend of mine recently bought a brand new house and was saying how he was going to save money on heating because he had propane instead of oil. He didn't realize that while propane is cheaper, you get less BTUs per gallon. Some people just don't realize.

Is the price of natural gas going to stay low? Who knows. If I could predict that I wouldn't be worrying about saving some money with a pellet stove.

 

[B Smithers]

X- I completely agree and understand your post. I'm cheap! So yes I am always looking for a way to save or make money, and I do believe this would add value to my home as well. I don't mind hauling corn and pellets, and we love the heat but will admit it isn't all that convienient sometimes. Thanks again

 

[LordmetalZ28]

Absolutley 100 percent. I would pay 30k to get the gas to the house. I know thousands of people who would kill to be in your position from my hvac days . All propane and oil customers

 

[unbidden]

My thinking is a bit opposite of others. If you still think you may sell in the near future, I think you should install natural; it will increase your resale value and make the property more desirable to a larger number of potential buyers. If you're staying put and happy with your current setup, stand pat, save your cash.

 

[rona]

Well I have been pondering something for a week or so now. I received notice that that they will be running natural gas down my road, and have sent me all the needed documents to recieve install. My question is after years of hefty to ridiculous propane bills we installed our corn stoves and have been very happy with little to no propane use. Now I know natural gas is considerably cheaper, and I stand to save some money, however this is what I am struggling with. The company wants $5K to install, $200 hook up fee, I am responsible for converting all my appliances(common practice I know), I have to mark all underground utilities septic, well etc... And I am responsible for restoration of my yard when the install is complete! So all this and then they can sell me gas for the remainder of my time at this house. The cost seems very extreme, however several of the homes on my road have bought in, so I don't even think I can haggle with them.

So are there any of you who have been in my shoes recently and would care to share. And would you if you were me??

Thanks

I think you would add value to your property by having another source of fuel. If I had nat gas handy I wouldn't have corn stoves. Nat gas is so much cheaper then the other heating fuels. It is cheaper then pellets or even corn and pellet mix. As you say it can go up but it would still be cheaper then fuel oil, lp, or electric.

 

[Mysticenchantment]

I have a natural gas furnace. Its great. However, I can keep my house at 80 degrees with the pellet stove for less money than I can with natural gas. My wife really really likes heat and the gas bills hurt a lot. Also, it seemed that once she jacked the furnace up to stun it started to require service more often. In the end I would probably connect to NG for the convenience of it always being there, but still running my stove. And honestly when we bought this house I insisted on being in a village where I could have natural gas and public water. I'm having second thoughts about the public water.

 

[Former Farmer]

If you are going to do it, the best time is when they are putting in the main feed. If you decide to do it later, the cost will be considerably more.

Personally, I would do it.

One thing you may want to check on is their meter charge per month, if you decide not to switch your appliances over to NG.

 

[kappel15]

I have a natural gas furnace. Its great. However, I can keep my house at 80 degrees with the pellet stove for less money than I can with natural gas. My wife really really likes heat and the gas bills hurt a lot. Also, it seemed that once she jacked the furnace up to stun it started to require service more often. In the end I would probably connect to NG for the convenience of it always being there, but still running my stove. And honestly when we bought this house I insisted on being in a village where I could have natural gas and public water. I'm having second thoughts about the public water.

I have city water, and I don't drink any of it without going thru a brita pitcher first. And it is EXPENSIVE

 

[Lake Girl]

I'm having second thoughts about the public water.

What village public water is giving you concerns and why? Former WNYer...

There is no way I will ever get natural gas at my house but I would probably invest the $5K for installation of the line. At the moment, it is still cheaper than pellets and far more convenient. Resale value of the property will increase as not everyone is willing to spend the time and work to heat with wood or pellets. I'm don't think I would part with my pellet stove though - nice for a bump to the heat and the fire view.

 

[Jason845845]

Jeez, here in New York, the gas company is required by law to install, for free gas services that have a main within 100' of the house.

 

[gfreek]

Propane delivery was here yesterday, couldn't make it into my driveway,, snow, have to widen it and scrape it,, where do I sign??

 

[Paul Breton Jr]

5k is very hi they should be doing every thing for that and mowing your lawn for a year. its one thing if they have to haul in equipment but there already there doing others i would get togeather with the others and get the price down!
I'm in construction and ts not that expensive unless there drilling & blasting through solid rock or u live a half mile off the road

 

[tiger]

I would have said no-brainer until I read $5K; might be interesting to ask a real estate agent (yeah, I know) if they think you might recoup that later.

I guess I got luck in 1984 or so, local utility said if I had a signed contract for a gas anything, the hookup was free. We heat, cook and had hot water w/gas and I wouldn't mind if our next hot tub was gas (do they make pellet-fired hot tubs?)

 

[moey]

How much pipe? 5k may be reasonable if you need a lot of pipe. Are your heating appliances easily convertible or do you have to buy new ones?

Digsafe is free they come out and mark your utilities if you dont know where your septic is you probably should good time to learn. The town may know or you can dig small holes finding the edge if you have absolutely no idea.

I would pay it. I paid 22k for my geothermal setup last year that included brand new heating unit and duct work. Should have seen my yard when they were done.

I certainly would not call it extreme.

 

[bags]

Jeez, here in New York, the gas company is required by law to install, for free gas services that have a main within 100' of the house.

And how are your property taxes? Ain't nothing free brother!

Personally, I would do it.

It's easy spending someone else's money. Fun too!
Farmer,
I do agree with you though but it is up to the OP to it working for them. It is a tough call. If it was me I would be seriously considering at least having the line ran into the home or basement and roughed in. You do not have to go all out and replace appliances etc; This can be done. If you are running propane all that needs to happen with a conversion is switching a nozzle to go from propane to NG in your furnace. Usually. It adds value and further options now and down the road. Not every home buyer or owner wants to deal with alternative heating methods. Keep that in mind. The utilities are marked for free Call Before U Dig. At least here. Look in the phone book or Google it for your area.

I am sure the utility company will back fill and straighten up the grade within their scope of work. Being nice to the equipment operator or asking nicely while they are there will get you a few more bucket drags and a pretty high and tight job. Your repair will likely be a little raking and seed and straw. Easy and cheap. You have to think beyond your immediate needs and I know even laying out $5K stinks. Especially for it just to be there and not used. That said I fully agree now is the time to get it done if you are on the fence. After the fact costs will go up getting someone else in to do it. Or you can keep your cash and let the next chump worry about it. It is all about costs vs. value and that is what you have to decide. You will get return on investment.

Now here's the UGLY.

Natural gas is great and cheap now but nothing is ever guaranteed. It will likely stay cheaper than other fuel options for one reason. It will be there thru a pipe avoiding costly trucking and delivery. In a sense you are paying your delivery costs up front having it installed. If I had this option I would be doing it for various reasons if the money was not a big issue. Can you get any tax right offs? Probably can to off set the costs but check into that as it may vary. A good accountant or tax person might be able to direct you. You might be able to write the whole amount off. Not an accountant but I deal with mine every year and it is about time to have that fun again. Self employed contractor so I would be all over this and dig and lay my own line and just pay whatever tie in fees and such. Just for reference I know what some would charge to do this and $5K all said and done is not too bad. Many plumbers around here charge almost that to run a water line. Not quite $5K but every bit of $3K on the cheap side.

There's my buck fifty's worth! Everything said, I am the type that is so against paying out to the man that I would also have a problem paying tap in fees if they offered to pipe in free happy sunshine 24/7. I hate oil and utility companies that much. I like my pellet stoves and if pellets costs rise around or just above utility provided heat sources I will still gladly pay to heat with pellets within reason. More about principle than a few extra bucks at this point with me.

I will say I agree with what everyone above has said. Both pros and cons. The biggest pros I see is resale and another option for fuel in this insane energy game. Biggest con.... well, you are dealing with the man and his play it by ear fuel price jacking possibly and the up front costs. Pellet and corn prices could get crazy in the future too. I'll start busting wood again as much of a hassle that is. Key is to not limit yourself and have viable options and be able to beat them at their own game the best you can. I have three ways to heat now and always looking for another. Problem is they all are running in the same crowd. One goes up and the others follow. Just how it is. Good Luck!

 

[the cug]

yes do it especially if your in northern Michigan. a lot of these guys don't have the weather we do. u will not regret it plus the value of your home will go up. sell your pellet stove.

 

[bags]

The health dept. or whoever issue septic permits can usually come out and locate your system for a small fee. That's how it works here but .......?

wouldn't mind if our next hot tub was gas (do they make pellet-fired hot tubs?)

I can do them with my OWB. Better and cheaper too! Of course you need a good soak after busting wood. I am sure it can be done.

Pricing varies everywhere you go with tap in fees and down the line. Where I am I have seen local water companies (county owned) put assessment fees on some property owners just to run the water lies across the front of their property whether they tie into city water or not. Some filed suits but lawyers and fighting city hall you may as well go piss up a rope. You'll lose even if you win. Did I tell you all how much I HATE oil and utility companies?

the cug, Are you nuts! Selling a pellet stove isn't very smart these days IMHO. At least for now.

 

[sportbikerider78]

Jeez, here in New York, the gas company is required by law to install, for free gas services that have a main within 100' of the house.

Some thoughts....
In most states, yes, "BUT", you can have them just install the hook up. If you perform the pipeline install per their specs, have them come and inspect before you cover them over, then you can just pay them to do the hookup for very little money. Rent a ditch witch and do if for WAYYYYYYY less than $5000 bones...more like $1000. You can do plastic lines these days. No more pipe fitting.
Sell your stoves to pay for it and a nice gas stove...bam... you've got some nice clean, cheap heat.

 

[Lake Girl]

We have a corner lot that currently has no electric service ... Over 10 years ago, they wanted $10K to bring power to the corner of it. The run from either of the lines that are nearby is between 300 to 500 feet. Then there are delivery fees, debt retirement, yada, yada, yada before you even use any electricity. If we are spending that kind of money to get one pole on our property, I'm opting for investigating solar power.

 

[pageyjim]

It seems to me it is a win-win if you stay or sell.

 

[Bkins]

I just did the conversion. It cost me nothing to have the line run but I did have to have 1 gas appliance up and using gas within 6 months or there was a $3,000 install fee. Took a install company 3 hours to do with a lot of manpower. They used a air probe to push a hole and drag the gas line to where it needed to go. It ran for a good 2 hours and they had to dig 3 holes on the property to make it happen. Had 2 guys digging the holes about 3' down each. They had the install down to a exact science with no wasted movement. They hit their mark with the air probe after about 60' both horizontal and vertically. They filled and tamped the holes and came back a few weeks later and added dirt and grass seed. This is all this crew does and I was told they have 3 others doing the same thing. They cover a pretty wide area in NJ.

Somebody mentioned property taxes. Ours are high but the gas company and the towns tax collector are not at all connected. There were some incentives from the state and Feds to buy highly efficient appliances, which are expensive. By my way of looking at it they are giving me the higher efficiency with the incentives. We do pay a higher therm rate then posted here. Ours so far has been right around a $1 per therm. Still not bad. I had our oil furnace changed out and also our electric water heater that was 30 years old and due. Those two items along with the oil tank removal cost me $7,400 after incentives. New gas lines with two added tee's had to be run. For our 1900 sq.ft. house our gas ill for both appliances were $128 and the most recent was $179 for much colder temps. We keep the temp set at 68 during the day and 58 at night. We like it cold at night. Always have. Our entire home is heated evenly which is a biggie in my book as even with running 2 pellet stoves our kitchen and back bedrooms were always in the low 60's and middle 50's at night. We burned just more then 6 tons last year leaving one stove running all night and both during the day.

I've still been using our Quad in our family room which is where we spend a lot of time and has a pot load of windows, old ones at that. We keep this room at 74 but even with the rest of the house being 68 the home is very comfortable.

I don't know that I would of paid 5k to have the gas line run as I had to really think about it with the cost and fees of changing out two appliances. Just my luck that we do it and oil drops. I know it won't stay here but that is how my luck seems to run. You know I buy a diesel truck and diesel fuel rockets up.

My wife's sister just converted to gas in Wisconsin. They had to pay $3,000 for the gas line but are able to pay it off over a few years. They stopped burning pellets and just love gas.

Heating isn't cheap any way you do it. To buy a new stove you can spend the 5k easily with the hookup. NG will help sell a home, at least that is what we were told. Buyers here will not look at a home heated by oil or automatically
take a big amount off their offer. We do plan on moving in the near future so that figured into my decision.

Wish I had done this years ago as the set it and walk away is priceless.