Conversion

A quick way to determine whether you have a boiler or furnace is to look at the way air is vented to your home for heating purposes. If you have baseboard heating, you likely have a boiler while forced air or heat that comes from vents indicates that you may have a furnace.

 A boiler uses hot water (think of boiling water) to deliver heat to your home. A furnace uses warm or forced air to heat your home. A boiler heats water in your home to approximately 180 degrees then moves the water in a circular motion through pipes that lead to baseboard heaters, radiators, or radiant tubing. A warm air system uses a furnace to deliver the heat throughout the home. The air is heated in the furnace and a blower forces it into a duct system. The warm air is then released into your home, through vents or registers in your walls, ceilings or floors. If you are still unsure about the system you have, visit the Fact Sheet and Information page on the AHFC’s website. There you can find information on different heating systems and guides and a plethora of helpful information.

Depending on each home’s existing heating system, the cost of converting to natural gas is expected to range from approximately $2,300 to $13,500. High-efficiency boiler/furnace systems may range from $7,300 to $13,500 (including water heater), with $10,700 being the average estimated installation cost. Average-efficiency boilers/furnaces may range from $7,500 to $10,000, with an average installation cost of $9,000 (including water heater).

Depending on the type and age of the existing heating system, conversions to natural gas heating systems are anticipated to occur in one of the following four ways:

• Switching the burner in an existing boiler to operate with natural gas (least expensive conversion option, but only possible with (some) boilers less than 10 years old)
• Replacing an oil boiler and hot water heater with a new natural gas boiler and hot water heater
• Replacing an oil furnace and hot water heater with a new natural gas furnace and hot water heater
• Replacing an oil space heater with a new natural gas space heater

Home owners planning to convert their homes to natural gas should anticipate permitting fees in addition to installation and equipment costs. Permits are required for homes located within the boundaries of the City Fairbanks and City of North Pole. These boiler/furnace installation permit fees are $120 in Fairbanks and $50 in North Pole. Permit charges apply for the replacement of a heating unit and not for burner replacements on existing units.

The AHFC Weatherization program typically does not replace boilers or furnaces; however, you should check with your local Service Provider or contact AHFC at 1-800-478-AHFC.

The first step in the conversion process is to determine what kind of system you already have. If you are unsure, contact a local mechanical contractor to assist you.

 Once you have determined what type of system you have, contact the AHFC to learn about the various energy programs that are available and which program best suits your needs.

Home retrofit projects can be costly and require upfront costs so saving in advance is important for financing. Early planning and saving efforts are encouraged; however, for those in need of financial assistance, most banks and credit unions offer second mortgages and AHFC has a financing option for which you may qualify: Second Mortgage for Energy Conservation. Go to AHFC’s website to learn more about financing options that may apply to you, and to see a list of approved lenders.

Gas distribution utilities in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are exploring a variety of conversion associated programs that will aid homeowners and businesses. Please stay tuned as these proposals are evaluated.

No. Changing over your system is not mandatory.

Rental property owners receive tax deductions for equipment upgrades to a property and may therefore be incentivized to convert rental properties. Check with your landlord or property manager for conversion plans and rates for your rental. Upgrading a rental property’s heating system will also make it more attractive to renters who will benefit by paying cheaper heating costs.

Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Weatherization program if income guidelines are met. Contact AHFC for more information. Contact the AHFC for more information.

The Energy Conservation Loan is a second mortgage loan program that lends up to $30,000. The loan process is facilitated and originates with Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. The loan is managed by Alaska USA in accordance with AHFC requirements and guidelines.