Home Tips - How Gas And Oil Furnaces Have Different Advantages

When winter temperatures drop to ultra frigid temperatures, homeowners, no matter where they live, automatically begin thinking about how deep freezes will affect their monthly utility bills. Efficiency plays a big role in what type of heating to select. Nowhere is the discussion more heated, pun intended, than when considering a gas furnace versus an oil furnace. Each type has its advantages, which homeowners must weigh carefully when shopping for a new heating unit.

Efficiency

If it's time to replace your furnace, no matter what type you choose, the first consideration should be the furnace's Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) that measures the efficiency of the furnace's combustion. Most of today's oil furnaces have AFUE ratings of 80% to 90%, meaning 80% to 90% of the fuel burned goes toward making heat. Gas furnaces have even higher AFUE ratings ranging from 89% to 98%. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it even if it is running well as today's heating units are substantially more efficient than those made a decade ago and will save money in utility costs over time.

Oil vs Gas Prices

Oil prices, especially over the last year have become volatile, but traditionally annual utility costs for heating a home with oil have been more expensive. Natural gas fuel costs have generally averaged less than one-third of oil costs over a year. Upfront costs for a gas furnace, however, are more expensive as they are usually priced 10% to 25% higher than comparable oil units.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces produce more heat per BTU than other fuels. They require an on-site storage tank along with regular deliveries. A service contract is usually required for fuel to be delivered on a regular basis. Maintenance for oil units is required more often due to dirt and soot buildup and filters must be changed frequently. Fuel efficiency is also lower when compared with gas furnaces.

Natural Gas

If you are considering a natural gas furnace, note that you must live in an area where natural gas is available. These furnaces need little maintenance, but produce less her per BTU than oil. They are also quieter and cleaner than oil units.

AES
Advanced Environmental Services Inc.

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