Comparing Natural Gas Versus Heating Oil
If you’re building a new home or your old heating system just went out for good, you need to decide on a system to install. Heating oil and natural gas are two of the most common home heating systems.
Choosing a home heating system is a big decision because whichever one you decide on, it will cost a great deal of money. So, you want to make sure you pick one that will be the best fit for your home. Selecting the right home heating system could add extra value to your home and give you a reliable heating system for many years.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but there are specific benefits that you only get from heating oil — here are four of them.
1. Cost
If you already have an oil system in your home and are considering replacing it, keep in mind that the cost to do so will add up fast. You need to remove the oil tank, work on the chimney and do a significant amount of duct and electrical work. It can quickly climb up to about $9000.
Additionally, depending on where you live, natural gas costs more to consume than oil. The price of oil does fluctuate throughout the year, but there are certain times of the year that the rates are lower. If you plan to fill up your tank when the prices drop, you’ll save even more.
2. Environmental Impact
By its name, natural gas sounds like the more environmentally friendly option compared to oil, but natural gas releases more emissions into the atmosphere than oil. Heating oil only contributes to 0.33 percent of emissions. Natural gas contributes a much higher amount.
The oil industry continues to innovate to lessen its effect on the environment. New systems can re-burn oil, making its emissions even lower. And, oil itself is evolving to burn even more cleanly.
3. Longevity
When you’re buying a new heating system for your home, you’re making an investment. No matter the system you choose, you’ll be spending a good deal of money. So, you want to get the most out of your investment. Heating systems that use natural gas are estimated to last about 11 to 14 years. Heating oil systems, when cared for properly, can last up to 30 years — that’s twice the lifespan of the natural gas system.
4. Efficiency
Unlike natural gas providers, you purchase heating oil from smaller companies instead of one big utility company. This gives you more control over when and how much fuel you buy and greater freedom over your home’s heating system.
When oil is burned for energy to heat a home, it burns around 15 percent more efficient than gas. You even have the options of installing extra components to your heating oil system to increase its efficiency even more. While these additions will be a higher cost up front, they will pay for themselves over time. With a more efficient system, you burn through oil slower and save money in the process.
Contact Marstellar Oil and Concrete today to learn more about our home heating solutions.
