Contents
- 1 Gas Vs. Oil Furnaces: Which Is Best?
- 2 What To Consider Before You Purchase A Gas Furnace
- 3 Why You Should Consider An Oil Furnace
- 3.1 Plentiful Fuel Oil Supply
- 3.2 Safer To Use And Store
- 3.3 Converting Oil To Gas Is Expensive
- 3.4 Heating Oil Systems Are Exceptionally Clean
- 3.5 Innovative Heating Oil Technologies
- 3.6 Heating Oil Furnaces Have Long Lifespans
- 3.7 Higher Rate of Water Recover
- 3.8 More Service Options And Control
- 3.9 Conclusion
- 4 Call Tevis Energy For Your Home Comfort Needs
If you are in the process of replacing your furnace, you may be considering going for an oil or gas furnace. However, it is not an easy choice. Both fuels are used for home heating applications, but they offer different features, especially when it concerns home heating equipment. In this article, we share a comparison between gas vs. oil furnaces. This way, you can gain further knowledge on the differences between each type.
Gas Vs. Oil Furnaces: Which Is Best?
Read on to explore how natural gas and oil furnaces differ. This article will give you a better understanding of what they can offer.
Upfront Oil Vs. Gas Furnace Costs
If you have a tight budget that you need to follow when purchasing a new furnace, then the oil furnace is a better choice. Gas furnaces cost more than oil furnaces. Oil heating systems require a tank to store fuel. Therefore, an oil to gas conversion can be expensive. You also have to think about other aspects, such as HVAC ducts, chimney, plumbing, and having the oil storage tank removed. These conversion costs add up quickly. Therefore, make careful considerations before making a decision.
Whether you choose to have an oil or gas furnace, your new furnace is likely more efficient than your old one. Modern furnaces have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiencies (AFUE) ratings, with newer furnaces having as much as 98.5% AFUE ratings. If your current furnace is over a decade old, its efficiency level is likely up to 30% less than newer models.
Which Fuel Is Superior: Heating Oil Or Natural Gas?
Heating oil costs more per BTU than natural gas. However, having a full tank of heating oil gives you a high sense of security. Once it has been delivered to your home, you do not have to worry about system failure problems due to limited natural gas supply.
Moreover, keep in mind that heating oil burns hotter than natural gas. Therefore, heating oil furnaces can heat your home in less time than a natural gas system. Heating oil systems also consume less fuel while doing so. There is less condensation as oil furnaces burn hotter, so your furnace will have an extended service life. Although heating oil costs are slightly higher compared to natural gas at times, it actually saves you more money down the line.
Maintenance Of Oil vs. Gas Furnaces
The chimney flue or vent of oil and gas furnaces should be leak-free and clean at all times. This is the part of the furnace where combustion is channeled out of your home. These components prevent toxic fumes from going back into your house and aid in effective combustion. Both gas and oil furnaces have air handling equipment, a heat exchanger, and a burner. However, oil-fired furnaces are also equipped with a pump that moves fuel to the furnace. HVAC air filters are necessary for both kinds of furnaces. The filters also need to be replaced periodically.
It is important to note that oil furnaces are also significantly safer. If there is a problem, the furnace will give apparent signs far before it leaks toxic carbon monoxide into your home. The same does not hold true with a gas furnace.
What To Consider Before You Purchase A Gas Furnace
Here are some of the things you need to think about if you are thinking of buying a gas furnace:
Requires More Safety Precautions
As previously mentioned, oil heating units typically give warning signs when they aren’t running as they should. Unfortunately, natural gas systems do not do this. The leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities in the United States is due to natural gas leaks. This issue can also lead to explosions. If the natural gas furnace is insufficiently vented, carbon monoxide can circulate in your home and cause deaths.
Concerns About Supply
Natural gas consumption is on the rise, so there are worries about whether local production can meet the rising demand. In addition, most of the world’s gas reserves are located outside of the US, so there’s a chance that the US will have to depend on natural gas imports in the future.
Fewer Service Options
A big utility company usually supplies natural gas. Therefore, you have limited service options when selecting a provider. Moreover, gas heating systems depend on a pipe system to channel the gas into your home or office. A leak or pipeline problem can put your home in danger or interrupt service. Excellent heating oil suppliers, such as Tevis Energy, can provide you with a wide range of options so that you can better manage your home’s energy costs.
Why You Should Consider An Oil Furnace
Listed below are some of the reasons you should consider installing an oil furnace in your home:
Plentiful Fuel Oil Supply
The world’s petroleum and oil reserves are higher than ever. Should there be an international shortage, the United States does not rely only on one source and imports. As a matter of fact, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has 727 million barrels, while the Northeast Heating Oil reserve has 2 million barrels. Moreover, oil supply firms like Tevis Energy have enough inventory and an easy and efficient ordering process.
Safer To Use And Store
Heating oil will only catch fire if it reaches a vaporization point, which occurs at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, dropping a lit match in a heating oil tank that is full will have the same effect as dropping it in water. The match will go out upon contact. Besides, heating oil systems rarely generate carbon monoxide. An oil-fired heating system will exhibit obvious signs well before it reaches that point, as mentioned above. On the other hand, natural gas can cause explosions and is, therefore, very dangerous.
Converting Oil To Gas Is Expensive
Converting an oil furnace to a gas furnace comes with a high price tag. Therefore, it makes more economic sense for you to keep using an oil heating system.
Heating Oil Systems Are Exceptionally Clean
Modern oil furnaces generate small amounts of emission and ‘reburn’ fuel, which leads to reduced emissions. A well-maintained heating oil system also has a clean burn. Therefore, the generated soot stays in the tank. Bear in mind that natural gas systems are the largest contributor to global methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas that highly contributes to global warming.
Innovative Heating Oil Technologies
Innovations mean that new heating oil systems and fuels are made to ensure a better level of cleanliness and efficiency. These improvements also suggest that the heating oil furnace consumes less fuel.
Heating Oil Furnaces Have Long Lifespans
As mentioned above, heating oil furnaces offer safe and efficient operation. Furthermore, they last for a long time. They typically last for up to 25 years or more when they receive regular and proper furnace maintenance.
Higher Rate of Water Recover
The hot water recovery rate in heating oil systems is double that of gas-powered heaters’ hot water recovery rate.
More Service Options And Control
Heating oil furnaces gives you greater control over your fuel supply and management. You can select the supplier, how much you want to buy, and when you want it delivered. You can also choose the supply as the fuel oil storage tank can be installed on your property.
Conclusion
Now that you are armed with this information, you should be able to select the most suitable furnace to fit your needs.
Call Tevis Energy For Your Home Comfort Needs
Tevis Energy is a trustworthy heating oil delivery company that services central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Our company offers affordable and the most competitive heating oil prices in the area. Our goal is to provide you with excellent products and services. When you choose us to be your oil supplier, you can rest easy knowing that you will have correct and prompt heating oil deliveries at the best possible prices. Furthermore, we offer various heating oil delivery plans and financing options, as a way to customize your oil deliveries. Be sure to call us today to learn more.
Tevis Energy has certified and highly trained HVAC technicians to cater to all your heating and cooling needs. We guarantee that each of our techs has the experience, skills, and knowledge to provide excellent HVAC services. Our team can assist you with installations, repairs, maintenance, and much more. Our superior HVAC solutions always come at affordable costs and we back all of our work with a guarantee.
Call us today to learn more about the products and services our company offers. We provide free, in-home estimates.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more!