Did you know that heating your home costs more money and uses more energy than any other system in your household? According to the US Department of Energy, heating your home makes up about 42% of your utility bill every year.
In the United States, there are a variety of ways to heat your home throughout the colder months. You can use natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, and wood, just to name a few of the options. But have you ever stopped to think about which of these is most efficient and cost-effective?
If you currently use an oil-based heating system, then it might be in your best interest to convert to a gas system. Keep reading to discover all of the ways a gas heating system can benefit your household.
Oil vs. Gas
The first thing you should think about when making your new furnace purchase is the efficiency rating of the system. The efficiency rating will measure the efficiency of the machine’s combustion. A higher rating signifies a more efficient machine.
Next, you need to keep in mind the price of the unit; and finally the price of the fuel for the unit.
Efficiency
Heating Oil
Most new furnaces that use oil to operate have efficiency ratings between 80% and 90%, which is pretty good, especially compared to the oil units from 10 plus years ago. However, because of the dirt and soot buildup, regular service and cleanings are required to keep your unit functioning at full capacity.
Natural Gas
While the oil system’s rating is pretty good, a gas heating system efficiency is even better, with ratings between 89% and 98%. Gas systems require virtually no maintenance, and they are quieter than the oil counterparts. One additional thing to keep in mind if you are considering getting a gas-powered heating system is to make sure that you live in an area where gas lines are accessible.
Pricing
Heating Oil
On top of the high-efficiency ratings of oil heating systems, the units themselves are also typically less expensive than natural gas powered systems. However, while the unit may be less expensive, the fuel itself is quite a bit more expensive than the natural gas that powers a gas system heater.
Natural Gas
Like we said above, while the gas unit itself is typically more expensive than the oil counterpart, the gas fuel is far less expensive than the oil that would be used to operate the system. Additionally, oil prices are increasing at a more rapid rate than gas making this a better choice in the long-run.
Overall, before making your decision, you must first figure out whether you live in an area where you can connect your house to a gas line, as not everywhere in the country allows for this. However, if you do live in an area where gas is accessible, then a natural gas-powered heating system would be a more beneficial choice for you. While the upfront cost would be greater, the savings will make up for this in the long run.
For any professional advice on this, don’t hesitate to call Coast Plumbing, Heating & Air. We can assist you with all of your heating and cooling needs, and help guide you in the right direction for your next heating system.
Call us today or check out our website to learn more about the services we offer!
