Did you know 82% of homes that rely on oil to heat their homes are in the Northeastern US? In 2018, residents of Northeast were the primary consumers of oil, but does that make it the best option for your home?
Keep reading to learn more about oil heat pros and cons and find out the best fuel type for your home.
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Oil Heat Pros and Cons
If you’re considering fueling your home with oil, you should know some of the pros and cons:
Pros
As a method of heating your whole home oil heat is a great way to go. But did you know many oil furnaces in modern homes are not the proper size?
An oil furnace that is too small will obviously not work as well to heat your house. But an oil furnace that’s too large poses its own problems: namely an increase in fuel expenditure and cost. You can increase your fuel efficiency by retrofitting your HVAC system in your home.
An HVAC expert can derate your oil furnace if it is oversized. Derating your furnace changes the fuel capacity of the heating unit. Overall, your heating costs could be reduced by 10%.
You can also have an old or oversized furnace replaced. On average, this can reduce your bill by up to 20%. Regular maintenance of your oil heating system can improve its overall efficiency.
Using a supplementary heating unit, such as an electric space heater, can help you stretch out the time between oil deliveries and save even more money.
Cons
While oil is flammable if it reaches extreme temperatures, it is generally still considered safe; it doesn’t emit toxic gases and isn’t likely to explode as natural gas could. In fact, oil is safe enough to store in your home as oil tanks are virtually leak-proof.
The initial cost of an oil furnace is lower than a natural gas one, but fuel is more expensive.
The price of oil fluctuates. Costs for oil in the wintertime are higher than delivery costs during off-seasons.
Gas Heating vs Oil Heating
You may be weighing out your options, such as oil heating vs gas heating. Some of the central differences between oil heating and gas heating are between price and how well they heat a house/room.
The initial cost of oil furnaces cost less than other types of heating systems, like gas furnaces. Oil burns hotter and provides more heat per BTU (British Thermal Unit).
However, the fuel for oil furnaces tends to be a little pricier than gas furnaces. They require routine maintenance to ensure they are running at peak efficiency.
Gas furnaces tend to have a slightly higher efficiency rating but provide less heat per BTU. The upfront cost for a natural gas furnace is more pricey and is only available if your home is located near a natural gas supply.
Oil heat is a good option for people who do not live neat natural gas supplies. You can also get oil delivered at scheduled intervals so you don’t have to worry about running out.
When natural gas is burned, it releases small amounts of the odorless, colorless gas carbon monoxide, also known as “the silent killer.” If a natural gas heating unit is not properly ventilated and maintained, it could release carbon monoxide into your house.
Electric Heating vs Oil Heating
Oil deliveries and scheduled maintenance may not seem like the most convenient option for you. So, how about electric heating?
Electric furnaces rely on a constant source of energy to keep your house warm. During the winter, this could drive your electricity bill up pretty high. Oil heaters stay warmer for longer.
The lifespan of an oil furnace tends to be longer than any other kind of heating unit. You may find yourself paying more for the repair or replacement for other HVAC systems, including electric.
If you use oil as your main source of heating in your home and want to lower your fuel bill, try using electric space heaters with your current system.
Oil Heating Cost Savings
To save some money on your oil costs, consider these tips:
Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature via a smartphone. You can set the thermostat to raise or lower the temperature automatically during different times of the day.
Consider retrofitting or upgrading your outdated oil furnace unit to something that better meets your needs. Signing up for annual routine maintenance is another way to make sure your HVAC system is performing as best as it can.
Do you have ceiling fans? Flip the switch on the fan base to run them on the reverse. This helps to circulate warm air throughout the rooms of your home.
Schedule routine automatic oil deliveries. When demand drives the price of oil up, you can save money by topping off your tank rather than filling it.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. If heat is escaping through cracks in your walls, floors, underneath doors or windows, that is money down the drain.
Turn off exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom when you are done using them.
Get Started With Sperr’s
Now that you’re familiar with oil heat pros and cons, you can make a wise and informed decision for home heating. If you’re in Southeastern Pennsylvania or Northern Delaware, Sperr’s Fuel and Heating offers convenient fuel delivery and HVAC services. You can even pay your bill online!
If you’re unsure of anything regarding your home’s HVAC system, contact us today. Our team is more than happy to help.
