A Comparison of Oil and Gas Heating

Both oil heating and gas heating have their pros and cons, but the difference in the cost of the fuels is often the determining factor for consumers with which one to choose. According to the Energy Information Association (EIA), consumers can expect to pay $2,526 for oil heating, while gas heating will cost $1,024. Over the past decade, oil prices have risen considerably and are often tied to world events. Oil prices have more than doubled from $10.31 per million British thermal units (BTUs) to more than $25 million BTUs. This is likely the reason why less than 6 percent of the nation’s population uses oil as their primary heating source. The nation’s boom in natural gas drilling has kept natural gas prices stable and low. Over 50 percent of American homes use natural gas for their primary heating source.

Gas vs Oil

Oil furnaces cost less than gas furnaces and provide more heat per BTU than a gas furnaces. Unlike gas, oil is not explosive, and the likelihood of carbon monoxide entering the home is close to zero. With regular maintenance, oil furnaces have a long life expectancy up to 30 years. With advanced technology, oil furnaces have reduced overall emissions to almost nothing. Some of the cons with oil-fired furnaces include more maintenance due to soot and dirt buildup, the oil must be delivered and an onsite storage tank is required. Oil furnaces are also less efficient than gas furnaces.

Gas furnaces cost more but can be found with higher energy efficiency ratings up to 98 percent AFUE. Over time, you can recoup the higher costs with energy savings. They are easy to maintain and have an average lifespan of 25 years with proper maintenance. Gas is also a clean-burning fuel.

Deciding whether to use gas or oil is really a personal choice. For most Americans, the lower cost of natural gas trumps the much higher cost of oil.

HVAC Products and Services at Brennan’s Heating and Air Conditioning

At Brennan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we carry and install both natural gas and oil furnaces from leading brands that offer excellent warranties. Our oil furnaces have an AFUE up to 86.6 percent with variable-speed blowers. Our gas furnaces range up to 98.5 percent in AFUE. Enjoy both energy savings and ultimate indoor comfort with our furnaces. Customers in North Stafford, VA can also take advantage of our Internet discounts on new HVAC equipment.