Efficiency Heating & Cooling
Furnace Conversion Services in the Greater Portland Area
Transform your home with our professional Furnace Conversion services, switching from costly oil or electric heating to efficient natural gas. Save up to 60% on heating bills while enjoying reliable, consistent warmth throughout Portland’s chilly winters. Our certified conversion specialists handle every detail from permits to final testing.
Expertise
Our certified conversion specialists bring years of experience and skill to ensure your furnace conversion is seamless and code-compliant.
Efficiency
Converting to natural gas helps you enjoy lower heating bills and optimal furnace performance with modern high-efficiency technology.
Comfort
Our gas furnace conversions enhance indoor comfort and air quality, eliminating oil odors and electric heating’s dry air.
Thinking About Converting Your Heating System?
While electric heating systems have their place, many Portland homeowners are discovering the benefits of converting to a gas furnace.
Gas furnaces provide more consistent and efficient heating, especially during the colder months. Unlike electric systems, gas furnaces can generate heat more quickly and at a lower cost, making them a preferred choice for those seeking both comfort and savings.
Contact us today to learn more about our electric to gas furnace conversion services.
Greater Portland Furnace Conversion Experts for Homes & Businesses
Converting from electric to gas isn’t just about swapping out units; it requires careful planning and expert installation to ensure safety and efficiency.
That’s where our certified technicians come in. We specialize in seamless electric to gas furnace conversions, ensuring your new system operates at peak performance from day one.
Read Verified Reviews About Our Electric Furnace Conversion Services in the Portland Area
Portland’s Top Locally-Owned Furnace Conversion Company
Explore our specialized electric to gas furnace conversion services, designed to enhance the efficiency and comfort of both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy costs or improve heating performance, our experts ensure a seamless and safe conversion process.
Contact us today to schedule your conversion or get answers to any questions you may have about upgrading your heating system.
More Information
Understanding Natural Gas Furnace Conversions in Portland Metro
There’s that smell again from your basement. Your oil tank is showing its age, and instead of another costly repair, you’re considering converting to natural gas. But what will an oil-to-gas furnace conversion cost Portland homeowners like you?
Converting to natural gas heating represents one of the most impactful home improvements for Portland metro homeowners seeking lower energy bills and improved comfort. Whether you’re in Beaverton’s Cedar Hills, Lake Oswego’s Mountain Park, or Tigard’s Summerlake neighborhood, switching from an oil furnace or electric heating to a gas furnace delivers immediate savings of 30-60% while increasing your Portland-area home’s value.
What You Need to Know:
- Why Convert from Oil or Electric to Gas in Portland?
- Propane vs. Natural Gas Options
- Complete Cost Breakdown
- Step-by-Step Conversion Process
- Long-Term Savings Analysis
- Choosing Your Portland Conversion Partner
Why Portland Homeowners Convert from Oil or Electric to Gas
Before diving into costs, let’s understand why Portland metro homeowners are making the switch:
Cost Savings: With Portland General Electric (PGE) rates among the highest in the Pacific Northwest and heating oil prices fluctuating unpredictably, natural gas conversions have become increasingly popular throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. Natural gas costs 50-70% less per BTU than electricity and 30-50% less than heating oil.
Efficiency: Modern gas furnaces achieve up to 98% AFUE ratings, meaning 98 cents of every dollar spent on fuel is converted into heat for your home. Compare this to older oil furnaces, which operate at 60-80% efficiency, or electric resistance heating, which operates at 100% efficiency but triples the operating cost.
Convenience: No more monitoring oil tank levels during Portland’s unexpected cold snaps or scheduling emergency deliveries when atmospheric rivers hit. NW Natural provides a continuous fuel supply through underground pipes—no deliveries, no running out.
Environmental Impact: Natural gas burns cleaner than oil, producing 30% fewer carbon emissions—significant for environmentally-conscious Portland residents. It also eliminates the risk of soil contamination from leaking oil tanks.
Home Value: Portland’s Home Energy Score program favors efficient heating systems. Homes with natural gas typically sell faster and for 3-5% more than comparable oil-heated homes in the metro area.
Propane vs. Natural Gas for Portland Homes
Natural Gas Benefits in Portland Metro:
- Availability: NW Natural’s pipeline network reaches 95% of Portland metro neighborhoods
- Cost-Effective: Lower per-BTU cost than propane once connected
- Convenience: No tank rentals, refills, or on-site storage
- Stable Pricing: More predictable rates than propane or heating oil
When Propane Makes Sense:
- Rural areas like Boring, Sandy, or unincorporated Washington County, without gas lines
- Temporary heating solutions during construction
- Backup heating systems for emergency preparedness
The Choice: For 90% of homes in the Portland metro area, natural gas is the optimal choice due to existing infrastructure. If your neighborhood has gas lines (check with NW Natural), natural gas provides the best long-term value.
Complete Cost Breakdown of Oil-to-Gas Furnace Conversion in Portland
1. Replacing the Furnace Unit
Equipment Costs:
- Standard efficiency (80% AFUE): $2,500 – $4,000
- High efficiency (90-95% AFUE): $3,500 – $6,000
- Ultra-high efficiency (96-98% AFUE): $4,500 – $7,500
Installation Fees:
- Basic installation: $1,500 – $2,500
- Complex installation with ductwork modifications: $2,500 – $4,000
- Portland permit fees: $150 – $350
2. Running New Gas Lines
Gas Line Installation Costs:
- From meter to furnace (typical): $500 – $1,500
- New service from street (if needed): $2,000 – $5,000
- NW Natural connection fee: $150 – $300
- Gas piping permits: $75 – $150
3. Oil Tank Removal (Oregon DEQ Compliant)
Tank Decommissioning Costs:
- Above-ground tank removal: $500 – $1,500
- Underground tank removal: $1,500 – $3,500
- In-place decommissioning (filling with foam): $1,000 – $2,000
- Soil testing (if required): $300 – $800
- DEQ documentation and disposal fees: $200 – $500
Important Note: Underground tanks in older Portland neighborhoods, such as Laurelhurst, Irvington, and Rose City Park, often require soil testing. If contamination is found, remediation can add $5,000 – $15,000.
4. Additional Costs to Consider
- Chimney liner: $800 – $2,000 (required for gas venting)
- Electrical upgrades: $200 – $500
- Thermostat upgrade: $150 – $350 for programmable/innovative models
- Ductwork modifications: $500 – $1,500
- Asbestos abatement: $500 – $2,000 (for homes built before 1980)
Total Estimated Investment
Typical Portland Oil-to-Gas Conversion: $7,000 – $15,000
- Basic conversion with above-ground tank: $7,000 – $10,000
- Complex conversion with underground tank: $10,000 – $15,000
- Premium high-efficiency system: $12,000 – $18,000
Available Rebates and Incentives (2025)
- NW Natural conversion rebate: Up to $1,500
- Energy Trust of Oregon: $350 – $800 for qualifying systems
- Federal tax credit: Up to 30% of equipment cost
- Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit: Variable based on efficiency
- Portland Clean Energy Fund: Low-interest financing available
Net Cost After Incentives: $5,000 – $12,000
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
Week 1: Assessment and Planning
- Home energy evaluation
- Gas availability verification with NW Natural
- Equipment sizing calculations
- Permit applications submitted
Week 2: Infrastructure Preparation
- Gas line installation from street (if needed)
- Interior gas piping installation
- Electrical upgrades
- Oil tank draining and removal scheduling
Week 3: System Installation
- Old furnace removal
- New gas furnace installation
- Venting system installation
- Thermostat and controls setup
- Oil tank removal/decommissioning
Week 4: Testing and Commissioning
- Gas pressure testing
- Combustion analysis
- Safety inspections
- Final permit approval
- System operation training
Long-Term Savings Analysis for Portland Homeowners
Annual Operating Cost Comparison (2,000 sq ft Portland home)
| Heating Type | Annual Cost | Savings vs Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Heat (current) | $2,400 – $3,200 | – |
| Natural Gas (after conversion) | $800 – $1,400 | $1,600 – $1,800 |
| Electric (PGE rates) | $2,800 – $3,800 | -$400 to -$600 |
Return on Investment Timeline
Based on average Portland energy costs and typical conversion expenses:
- Simple payback period: 5-7 years
- 10-year net savings: $8,000 – $15,000
- 20-year net savings: $20,000 – $35,000
- Home value increase: $5,000 – $10,000 immediately
Additional Financial Benefits
- Reduced maintenance costs: Save $200-400 annually
- No oil tank insurance riders: Save $100-200 annually
- Eliminated delivery fees: Save $50-100 per delivery
- More predictable budgeting with stable gas prices
Electric to Gas Furnace Conversion in Portland
Electric-to-gas furnace conversions offer the most significant potential for reducing energy bills, particularly in larger homes in the Portland metro area, such as those in West Linn’s Hidden Springs, Lake Oswego’s Palisades, and Beaverton’s Murrayhill.
Why Portland Homes Have Electric Heat
Many Portland homes built between 1960 and 1990 feature electric heating due to historically low electricity rates and the“all-electric home” marketing of that era. Today, with PGE’s tiered rate structure, these systems cost 2-3 times more to operate than natural gas.
Electric-to-Gas Conversion Specifics
- Typical cost: $6,000 – $12,000
- Annual savings: $1,200 – $2,400
- Payback period: 3-5 years
- Common in: Cedar Hills, Bethany, Rock Creek, Forest Heights
Water Heater Conversion Opportunities
Water heater conversions often accompany furnace projects in Portland homes, maximizing the benefits of natural gas throughout your home. Converting both appliances simultaneously reduces installation costs while providing comprehensive energy bill reductions, which is significant given the Portland Water Bureau’s rates.
Combined Conversion Benefits
- Shared gas line installation costs
- Single permit and inspection process
- Additional Energy Trust rebates
- Extra $300-500 annual savings
Choosing Your Portland Conversion Partner
What to Look for in a Conversion Specialist
Essential Qualifications:
- Oregon CCB licensed and bonded
- NW Natural certified installer
- DEQ certified for oil tank removal
- Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally
- Portland metro permit experience
Services They Should Provide:
- Free in-home energy assessment
- Complete project management
- All permit coordination
- Rebate application assistance
- Financing options
- Comprehensive warranties
Red Flags to Avoid
- No Oregon CCB license number
- Unwilling to pull permits
- No oil tank removal certification
- Extremely low bids (often exclude critical work)
- Pressure tactics or“”today onl”” deals
Portland-Specific Considerations
Neighborhood Factors
Older Neighborhoods (Pre-1960): Eastmoreland, Laurelhurst, Irvington, Mount Tabor
- Higher likelihood of underground oil tanks
- May need electrical panel upgrades
- Potential asbestos concerns
- Historic district considerations
Mid-Century Neighborhoods (1960-1980): Cedar Hills, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills
- Often have above-ground oil tanks
- Electrical systems are usually adequate
- Good candidates for straightforward conversions
Newer Areas (1980+): Bethany, Cooper Mountain, Happy Valley
- May have propane or electric heat
- Gas lines are often already available
- Modern electrical systems
Seasonal Timing Considerations
Best Time to Convert:
- Spring (April-May): Ideal for underground tank removal
- Summer (June-August): Contractors are less busy, and faster scheduling
- Early Fall (September-October): Complete before heating season
Avoid Converting:
- Winter (December-February): Emergency pricing, frozen ground issues
- Late Fall (November): Risk of cold weather before completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the entire conversion process take?
A: Typically 2-4 weeks from permit application to final inspection. The actual installation work takes 2-3 days.
Q: Can I convert if natural gas isn’t on my street?
A: NW Natural may extend service if enough neighbors are interested. Otherwise, propane is a viable alternative.
Q: What happens to my old oil tank?
A: It must be properly decommissioned per Oregon DEQ requirements—either removed entirely or filled with approved material.
Q: Are gas furnaces safe?
A: Yes, modern gas furnaces have multiple safety features, including flame sensors, pressure switches, and carbon monoxide shutoffs.
Take the Next Step
As Portland’s trusted HVAC experts serving all metro communities from Gresham to Beaverton, and from Oregon City to North Portland, we guide you through the best furnace conversion service solution for your specific needs and neighborhood requirements.
Ready to start saving? Contact us today for a free in-home assessment and detailed cost estimate for your heating conversion. We’ll evaluate your current system, explain all options, including heat pump conversions, and help you choose between complete furnace replacement or conversion.