It’s no secret that homeowners enjoy beautiful weather during the summer and spring months. You can also say the opposite for winter. When the cold temperatures start rolling in, the desire to have a heating system in your home is inevitable. You’re lucky to have an already installed system in good working condition.
However, this article suits you well for those who need to upgrade. Different types of furnaces are available, all with pros and cons. This article will discuss the difference between gas vs. oil furnaces.
Fuel Costs
With increased fuel costs, this is our first consideration when shopping for a furnace. Oil costs can rise more during the winter season. This can make running oil furnaces more expensive than gas furnaces. However, their price keeps fluctuating. Hence, there are times when it’ll be cheaper than natural gas.
Furnace Efficiency
Apart from fuel cost, it is essential to consider the efficiency of a furnace. This is exhibited in Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This is used to measure the efficiency of a machine’s combustion. The AFUE rating of new oil furnaces ranges between 80% and 90%. However, the new gas furnaces’ ratings range between 89% and 98%.
Although natural gas furnaces are more efficient, they are pretty expensive. However, the new oil and gas furnaces models are more efficient than the old ones.
Up-front Costs
The up-front cost of gas furnaces is higher than that of oil furnaces. However, they’re more convenient than the oil furnace. Oil furnaces require storage tanks, chimneys, plumbing, and HVAC ducts. Hence, the overall costs of an oil furnace might be higher. Therefore, it is essential to consider it carefully before making up your mind.
Safety
Both oil and natural gas furnaces feature their set of possible safety risks. If gas leaks, it releases carbon monoxide into the environment, a health risk. On the other hand, if oil leaks, it omits poisonous fumes into the atmosphere. This can cause potential harm to our soil and drinking water. Leaking gas or oil can escalate the risk of a fire hazard.
All in all, these two heating systems do their best to make your home warm and cozy. But, there are many factors to consider when choosing one. Working with a professional heating contractor will help you make a sound decision. Contact Air Creation Heating & Cooling, LLC, to schedule an installation or repair appointment today.
