Oil vs. Gas Heat: Which is Better?

When it comes to heating your home, oil and gas are both popular options. But which one is better? The truth is that there are advantages and disadvantages of each one, which means you will need to consider the pros and cons of oil vs. gas carefully in order to choose.

Oil

Oil tends to produce a much warmer heat than any other option does. Many people believe it to be warmer than natural gas or electricity. Oil is a clean-burning fuel that produces very little carbons into the atmosphere. Heating oil is also safe to use, as there is virtually no danger of it exploding.

The biggest disadvantage to oil is the fact that prices of this fuel may fluctuate greatly from one season to the next. Users must typically buy oil in bulk, meaning that consumers could shell out a great deal of money at one time in order to take care of their heating needs for an entire season.

Gas

Homes take very little time to heat up when they contain gas furnaces, which is one of the biggest advantages to this fuel. It is easy to store and transport, since it can be transmitted through pipelines. Natural gas is in an abundant supply, as there is estimated to be enough of this fuel available to last for several more generations. It is somewhat less expensive than oil or coal heat is.

One disadvantage of natural gas is the fact that it can be toxic if leaked. Gas leaks also have the potential to cause explosions. For these reasons, those who heat their homes with gas are advised to have frequent inspections of their equipment performed and to use a carbon monoxide monitor in strategic locations throughout their residence.

Both oil and gas furnaces come in a variety of different efficiencies. Before buying a furnace, you should compare several different models in order to find the one that is right for you. By comparing different models and considering the advantages and disadvantages of each type of heat, you are sure to make precisely the right choice. Contact us to find out more.