Installing Gas in your Home

Gas central heating is the most common way to heat our homes. However, approximately 3.6 million homes in the UK are not connected to mains gas.

Having a new gas supply installed is, in most cases, a possibility. The process is a major change so there is much to consider before deciding whether it is viable.

How Can I get Gas Installed?

To get gas installed you will need to find an installer to connect you to the mains. They are easy to find on the internet and you can apply to get a quotation. First, though, contact the National Grid. They will be able to tell you if it is possible to connect your property to mains gas and whether your case is standard or non-standard. To qualify as a standard case you will have to fulfil certain criteria.

If you do not qualify your case is classed as non-standard. This essentially means that it is more difficult to install gas at your home so will cost more.

Once you have an idea of what the work involves you can get a quote from the National Grid (note if your case is non-standard it will cost) and other installers to get the best price. Then the work will be carried out as planned with you beforehand though there may be a wait of up to 12 weeks.

Even if you select another installer, the National Grid will usually be involved in the work. That is why it is best to contact them first. They openly state on their website that you can choose a different installer. Other providers will just give the hard sell and hope you select them.

How Much Does Installing Gas Cost?

This depends on your property and how difficult it is to connect you to the mains. The National Grid does have a cost indicator to give a vague figure.

Costs range from around £200 for an easy, standard case and can be £650 or upwards if it is a non-standard or really difficult case.

Remember, this is literally just giving you a gas source for you to tap into. It does not include a gas meter, the cost of a gas boiler, radiators or any connection to any gas appliances. These will have to be paid for separately and you must have an engineer that is registered as gas safe to plumb in all appliances.

To get your home fully converted the true cost can be in the region of £2500 – £5000. This is broken down as:

• Cost of getting a gas line £200-£800
• A gas boiler £500-£2000
• Radiators and plumbing costs of all appliances including gas meter £1000-£3000

This is a rough estimate but if your house is a particularly difficult case it could be much more. You can save costs by offering to dig the trench for the input of the gas line. You need to evaluate exactly what you need and price it up before arranging for a gas line to be installed.

It is also a major renovation that may cause severe disruption in your home. If you proceed, your supply will officially start when you have chosen a supplier and the internal appliances are connected to your gas supply.

Is Installing Gas a Viable Option?

To decide whether gas central heating is financially viable it is worth considering the average cost per year of all forms of heating (based on 3 bed semi-detached with average heating and good insulation):

• Gas central heating: £770 (condensed boiler) £947 (Non-condensed)
• Oil Heating: £1,100
• LPG Central Heating: £1,300
• Electric Central Heating: £1,700 (could be less using Economy 7)

Converting to gas could save a few hundred pounds a year but could cost around £5000 so there will only be a return if you remain in the property long term. It is not worth changing purely for economic motivations. It would be better to spend money on saving energy or a renewable energy source. Most people that convert do so for convenience. Gas is much more convenient as you can control heat better, use radiators to dry clothes and it is easier to cook on gas. If your motivation is a combination of convenience and financial, over the long term, then installing gas could be for you.

By Michael Hallam