Propane Gas vs. Oil Heating – Which One Is Right for Me?

Most Massachusetts homeowners rely on either propane gas or heating oil furnaces 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.

Pros of heating with Propane

• 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.