If you are considering installing an oil furnace, or even if you already have oil heat, you have likely heard many opinions about oil’s costs, how it works, and the impact on the environment. Well, to put it bluntly, opinions are not facts. When you take the time to separate myth from reality, about oil heat, it gives you the opportunity to discover the truth.
Even though America has used heating oil since the early 1900s, it is one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented heating sources. While many people have some knowledge about oil, they possess little information about heating oil or how it compares to other fossil fuels. Today, this article will review a few common oil heating myths and provide you with the actual facts.
1. Heating oil is expensive. – When adjusted for inflation, heating oil is actually cheaper than it was in 1980. Regardless, when you factor in the cost of a new unit, the cost of maintenance, and the life-expectancy of an oil furnace, the overall cost is typically cheaper than other options.
2. You can’t have oil heat and central air conditioning. – This is just flat-out untrue. An experienced and professional technician can install a central air conditioning unit with your oil heat.
3. Oil heat is dangerous. – This myth comes from confusing heating oil with other fossil fuels, which are highly flammable. Heating oil does not burn at room temperature, like gasoline and natural gas. It must be heated to 140 degrees and then vaporized. Otherwise, it will not burn.
4. Heating oil is bad for the environment. – The fact is heating oil is one of the cleanest heating options for your home, especially when using hot water methods to circulate heat within the home. Moreover, heating oil creates almost zero emissions, which is particularly true with the newer oil heating units.
What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about oil heat myths, or need more information, please contact us.