Why should I choose natural gas for my home?
Natural gas is more convenient, cleaner, and costs less than oil or propane. Residential customers who switch to natural gas heat may experience nearly a 50% savings over oil and a 60% savings over propane. Natural gas is piped directly to your home, so you don’t have to worry about fuel deliveries. Natural gas can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications including heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, outdoor grills, fire pits, outdoor lighting, sauna and pool heaters.
Can I save money using natural gas to heat my home?
Yes! Residential customers who switch to natural gas heat may experience nearly a 50% savings over oil and a 60% savings over propane. Click here to calculate how much you could save.
What is a BTU and why is it important?
A BTU is the input heating capacity of a furnace, boiler, or water heater. It is measured in thousands of BTU (British Thermal Units). A wooden match produces approximately one BTU while it’s lit. When you’re considering fuel prices, you should look at the cost per BTU to get an accurate comparison. Natural gas continues to have a lower cost per BTU than propane or oil.
Do I need a natural gas service line?
Yes. If you're not currently using natural gas in your home, click here to determine if your property is along a natural gas main. Or you can call us at 1-866-685-5665 and we will check for you. If your home is along a natural gas main, then PECO can install a service line from your home to the natural gas main.
If you are not located near a natural gas main and there are other neighbors who also want to convert to natural gas, you may still be able to receive natural gas service. Click here to determine if you are eligible for a program to bring natural gas to your neighborhood.
The PECO natural gas conversion representative will calculate the cost of your service line. PECO will then apply a credit to the cost of the line based on a number of factors. If the cost to install the service line is greater than the credit, you would pay only the difference. If the total cost is less, you would pay nothing.
How long does it take to have the service line installed?
It takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the time we receive your signed contract and payment. Click here to view a video to learn more about the installation of a natural gas line.
Will I have to obtain permits for the work being completed on my property?
PECO will obtain all the necessary permits to open the street and install your natural gas service line. Your HVAC contractor will be responsible for obtaining permits, if necessary, for the work he or she performs on inside of your home.
Will you dig up my driveway or sidewalk?
Specially trained technicians will dig up a small area near the street in front of your house to expose the gas main and “tap” into the main to connect the service. When conditions allow, the technicians installing a new service line will use a device that burrows through the ground and surfaces right next to your home. Otherwise, the technicians will trench or plow to allow for installation of the service line. The technician will backfill any excavation.
Once the service line is installed, who is responsible for restoring my property?
Restoration in the street and/or municipal right of way will be completed by PECO and is typically completed within four to six weeks, weather permitting. Final restoration of a customer’s property is the responsibility of the homeowner. This includes lawns, driveways, private sidewalks, etc.
What is the difference between a natural gas service line and natural gas piping?
What if my property is not located near a main?
If you are not located near a natural gas main and there are other neighbors on your street or development who also want to convert to natural gas, click here to determine if you are eligible for a program to bring natural gas to your neighborhood.
Will PECO install my natural gas equipment?
PECO does not install natural gas equipment. You will need to contact an HVAC contractor to purchase and install your natural gas equipment (heater, water heater, etc.).
Need a contractor? Click here to find one.
How do I know what delivery pressure is required for my equipment and appliances?
The pressure delivered at the outlet of the meter is normally 5.5 inches water column. Check with your contractor or equipment label to determine the pressure the equipment requires.
May I determine where the natural gas meter is located?
PECO will make a good faith effort to install the meter at the location you chose as indicated below, when looking at the house from the street:
• Left side wall, 2 ft. from front of house;
• Right side wall, 2 ft. from front of house;
• Front house wall
No meters will be located at the rear of the property or indoors.
Who does what? What steps should I take before the work starts?
Click here to view a video to learn more about the installation of a natural gas line Here's what you should expect:
Tip: Need an HVAC contractor to install equipment or appliances in your home? Contact the Electrical Association of Philadelphia (EAP) at 1-800-845-5845 or visit www.eap.org.
Hint: Mark your private utilities such as septic system, sprinkler system, oil tank, landscape lighting system and invisible fence. PECO will arrange to have the public utilities (e.g., water, cable, electric, gas, sewer, and telephone) marked.
I already have a natural gas line. What are the steps to adding more appliances or equipment?
If you are already using natural gas in your home, you may be able to have your heater connected to your existing service line. Even if you already have natural gas, you may need a new service line if the existing one has a limited capacity. This can be the case with older homes where natural gas was used only for cooking. Here's what you should do:
Need an HVAC contractor to install natural gas heating or cooling equipment in your home?
Contact the Electrical Association of Philadelphia (EAP) at 800-845-5845 or visit www.eap.org.
