If you have an oil-burning heating system in your home, you might be concerned about the rising price of home heating oil. The cost of fuel oil is on the incline everywhere, and it has some homeowners thinking about alternate ways of heating their homes.
There are many reasons to choose natural gas heating for your home. It is more versatile than fuel oil, as you can use it to operate not only your furnace but many other home appliances as well.
Many homeowners understand the benefits to converting from oil to gas, but delay the process because of cost. If your neighborhood has access to natural gas, your only real cost will be a new gas furnace and the labor associated with removing your oil tank and installing the furnace. You may have heard that gas furnaces cost more than oil-burning ones, and that can be true – but you also need to keep in mind that your heating savings will quickly make up for the difference in equipment costs.
If you live in an area that does not have access to natural gas, you can still switch to propane gas. Propane will be delivered to your home in tanks, and is less expensive, more efficient, and cleaner burning than oil.
Five Reasons to Convert from Oil to Gas
Natural Gas is Less Expensive
Of course, one of the main reasons homeowners decide to switch from oil to gas is the cost. Oil is, and pretty much always has been, more expensive than natural gas. According to the Bob Vila website, heating oil runs the average homeowner almost four times the cost of natural gas. With oil prices on the rise this year, it may be the perfect time to make the switch.
Natural Gas Offers Better Efficiency
Natural gas is simply more efficient than fuel oil. New gas furnaces are often able to provide 98 percent efficiency – that means that only two percent of the energy used is lost. Not to mention, modern gas furnaces are built to offer high-efficiency, helping you get better heating quality from the gas you use.
Natural Gas is Cleaner than Oil
Natural gas is cleaner to use than oil, making it better for the environment. It does not produce sulfur dioxide when it burns and produces a far smaller amount of carbon emissions when compared to fuel oil.
Natural Gas Prices Stay Stable
As we mentioned above, natural gas is historically less expensive than oil. But, as a rule of thumb, natural gas prices also remain relatively stable. Of course, like any other utility, natural gas prices are subject to some fluctuation. However, with the abundance of natural gas in Pennsylvania – we’re the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer after Texas – you can count on prices staying steady over time.
Natural Gas Can Increase Your Property Value
If you decide to sell your home in the future, you should know that a natural gas heating system may increase your home’s resale value. Most homebuyers are looking for efficiency when it comes to home heating and cooling, and having a system that won’t break their budget could be a major selling point.
Can Home Climates help me get the oil to gas conversion I need?
When you are ready to make the switch, Home Climates can install your new natural gas appliances at an affordable rate. We offer upfront flat-rate pricing so you can choose the right gas furnace for your budget and home heating needs. If your home has a newer oil furnace, Home Climates may also be able to install a conversion burner for a more affordable oil-to-gas conversion. Our flexible financing options make it even easier to invest in an oil-to-gas conversion for your home. Call us today at 717.689.4151 to learn more!
