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Propane Gas vs. Oil Heating – Which One Is Right for Me?
Propane Gas vs. Oil Heating – Which One Is Right for Me?
Posted: July 5, 2017
Most Massachusetts homeowners rely on either propane gas or heating oilfurnaces and boilers to heat their homes. Both fuels will do the job – and both are a big step up from electricity when it comes to heating your home.
But if your old heating system is on its last legs, it could pay to consider switching fuels. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages to consider – here is a quick guide to some of the more important ones.
Propane gas generally has a lower cost per gallon than heating oil
Propane equipment typically runs more efficiently than heating oil equipment
Propane produces almost no carbon dioxide when burned
Propane heating equipment requires less maintenance and last longer than heating oil-based equipment, since propane burns cleaner
Propane is stored as gas and is nontoxic and nonpoisonous, so it can’t pool and contaminate groundwater or soil if it leaks; that means propane tanks can be safely installed underground
Propane appliances can be vented using regular PVC pipe through the roof or a wall rather than through a chimney
Propane can also be used to power other high efficiency appliances such as ranges, water heaters, and pool heaters – all from the same fuel tank
Cons of heating with Propane
Propane produces fewer BTUs than oil heating
Propane-burning equipment is typically more expensive up front than oil burning equipment
Propane requires special safety precautions, since the gas is combustible in air
Pros of heating with Fuel Oil
Heating oil has a higher BTU output per gallon and is used up more slowly than propane – which could mean you will pay less to heat your house with heating oil, even if the per gallon cost of propane is less
Oil-burning equipment generally costs less to purchase than propane-burning equipment
Cons of heating with Fuel Oil
Heating oil tanks – especially older steel-lined ones – can leak; an oil spill can be extremely costly to clean up, and it’s an expense that is often not covered by home owner’s insurance
Heating oil prices are more volatile than propane, since most of the heating oil supply comes from off shore and is subject to global market forces; most propane is produced in the US
Heating oil produces much more carbon dioxide gas than propane when burned
Oil-burning appliances require more frequent cleaning and maintenance
In an oil burning home, most other appliances – including water heaters, ranges, clothes dryers, etc.) are run by inefficient electricity rather than propane
The bottom line If your oil-fired system is on the way out and you’re thinking about making the switch to propane, there are many reasons to do it – but it’s going to take careful consideration to make the right call.
If you want to explore whether a conversion makes sense in your Massachusetts home, give us a call – we’ve had years of experience helping homeowners make the switch and can help you make the best decision possible.
Thinking about switching the heating fuel in your Massachusetts home? We can help you make the right choice! Contact Pioneer today to learn more.