Which is better natural gas or propane?

[Laura Sullivan]

We purchased a single family foreclosure that did not have a CO at the time of closing. The oil burner needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the building inspector has informed us that the oil tank needs to be moved. It is in the basement. The professionals we have consulted have quoted us $9k. However, in exploring options we found that it is pretty much the same cost to convert to either natural gas or propane (price includes removing oil tank).

We are in Dutchess County, NY. We contacted Central Hudson Gas & Electric and it took 3 months for them to come out to the home to measure for the gas line. It has now been 2 months since they measured and they have no time frame for running the line. We have been calling them twice a week for 5 months and at this point are very frustrated. They are the gas supplier and there is no fee to have them run the line from the street and apparently only they can do it. 

So, we thought that maybe we should look into propane. It would be used to heat the house and the water. No other appliances would operate on propane.

Please advise on what course of action would be most cost effective. Should we wait it out for natural gas indefinitely or switch to propane. Single family 1600 square foot home intended for rental property hopefully sooner rather than later!

Thank you for your help!

[Michael Noto]

@Laura Sullivan I am surprised it is taking so long for cooperation from the gas company. We have done several of these conversions here in Connecticut and it was actually easy dealing with the local gas company. If time is an issue for you then go with propane. 

If it isn't I would wait out the natural gas because you are in the northeast and in the long run it would be a lot more favorable to a tenant to rent a single family with natural gas as opposed to propane, but propane is better than oil if it comes to that. 

Also, trying looking in local Facebook forums or craigslist for people who will remove the oil tank for you. A couple guys around here provide that service and we have had good experiences with them. In regards to the old furnace, whoever installs the new one will remove the old one. That is pretty standard.