Hello all -

I am considering purchasing a home currently heated by forced hot air via oil. I have confirmed gas is available in the street. The house I currently live in, has forced hot water (originally via oil) and I had the boiler converted to burn natural gas instead, since gas was available in the street and the gas co did the line installation for free if I hooked up my heat to it. My question, is whether a conversion burner gun can be put on a furnace, the same way it could be for a boiler. The oil furnace is on the newer side, so don't think it makes sense to walk away from it, but if I could get natural gas into the house now that would be awesome.

 

A furnace is different than a boiler.
Oil to gas conversions in a boiler are fairly common and most appear to work efficiently.

Not sure if the same benefits exist with a forced air furnace.
You are going to need a qualified tech/company to do the conversion.
I'd recommend getting at least two estimates.

 

The furnace should be replaced if you live in a climate with real winters - gas conversion burner in an oil burning furnace will be limited to 80% efficiency and depending on design of the furnace could be as low as 60%.

With a conversion burner, you rely on the tech's skill to have it burn right - need an installer with a combustion analyzer.