You, like many homeowners, probably know that gas is often a cheaper option for fueling your furnace and heating your home. However, many people don’t know that there are a myriad of other benefits to converting from oil to gas. Below, we’re going to go over the top five reasons you should convert from oil to gas before the frigid winter temperatures hit this year.
Gas Vs Oil
First, it’s important to know the difference between gas and oil as home heating fuels. Natural gas and oil are both fossil fuels that are extracted from beneath the earth’s surface and used as fuel for home heating systems. Natural gas is pumped directly to your boiler via gas lines, while oil is delivered to your home and stored in an oil tank on premises. Much of the gas in the U.S. comes from within the states, while most oil is imported from other countries.
They’re fairly similar in how they’re used and obtained, so why should you convert from oil to gas this winter?
1) Save Money
Gas is significantly cheaper than oil as a fuel, and while the conversion from oil to gas may be costly, the expense is quickly recovered in fuel savings. Natural gas is very accessible in the United States, which leads to a lower overall cost for you.
2) Increase Safety
A major concern with burning oil for fuel is how much carbon dioxide it releases into the air, which is believed to be detrimental to the environment in large quantities. Natural gas gives off less CO2, which means it’s safer for you, and the planet as a whole.
3) Easy to Maintain
Oil burners often lose efficiency throughout their lives, which can lead to decreased performance and increased cost over time. Modern gas systems can be up to around 98% efficient, which means you’ll spend less on fuel and put less strain on your system.
4) More Reliability
If you already use oil as a fuel to heat your home, you know that oil prices can fluctuate quite a bit based on supply and demand. Because gas is far more accessible, prices of natural gas are very stable. Additionally, you’ll always have a gas supply line connected to your boiler, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of oil on the coldest day of the year again!
5) Increased Versatility
Oil can only be used as a fuel for your boiler, but gas can be used to fuel your boiler and your hot water heater, and it can also be used for cooking. Gas is far more versatile than oil as a fuel for your home.
On top of all of this, it’s easier than ever to switch from oil to gas. When you’re ready to make the switch and start enjoying the benefits of using natural gas to heat your home, contact an Air Design HVAC professional to begin the conversion process in your home.
