When comparing different types of heating systems, you should consider the type of heating fuel that it uses. This can make a major difference with your comfort levels, safety, and heating costs. With that in mind, here is a detailed comparison of heating oil vs. natural gas to get you started.
Service Plans And Pricing Options
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Unlike heating oil, natural gas normally comes from one big utility. This means gas offers far fewer fuel supply control and management options compared to heating oil. What’s more, the relatively small number of gas suppliers means consumers only have a few options in terms of service plans and pricing options. Fortunately, heating oil consumers do not have to deal with these problems largely due to the relatively large number of heating oil suppliers. Furthermore, a reputable heating oil delivery company will offer various financing options as well as different delivery plans in order to meet the needs of their consumers.
Environmental Impact
Contrary to popular belief, natural gas does not cause less damage to the environment compared to heating oil. However, the truth is natural gas is more harmful to the environment because it consists almost exclusively of methane gas, which causes global warming. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the impact of methane to climate change is 25 times greater than the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. That said, heating oil is more environmentally friendly. There are biodiesel blends, such as waste soy bean oil, which converts it into a cleaner sulfur free fuel. According to various studies, heating oil burners produce about 0.40% of America’s particulate emissions, whereas gas emissions and leaks pose a significant climate risk. Because of this, biodiesel-heating oil blends have become increasingly popular among consumers in recent years.
Efficiency
Dollar for dollar, modern oil furnaces and boilers offer the best value. Specifically, they are easy to maintain. They are easier to repair. Also they are robust, dependable, last longer, and have many interchangeable parts. More importantly, they have AFUE ratings of 95% or higher, meaning they are highly energy efficient. In fact, one recent study shows that when your home is well insulated, a state-of-the art modern oil furnace can lower the heating costs by as much as 40%. As with any heating system, be sure to maintain it annually for efficient performance.
Safety
Unlike natural gas, home heating oil is nonexplosive. More importantly, it won’t even burn until it vaporizes. Because of this, it is a safe source of energy, especially when compared to natural gas. While heating oil will not readily ignite, natural gas is extremely flammable. Therefore, natural gas will explode in the presence of an ignition source. An inspection for possible leaks of gas lines and equipment needs to happen on a regular basis. This drives up the cost of your natural gas heating system. Additionally, you may have to install gas detectors for safety reasons. Natural gas explosions are not unheard of.
Price
Heating oil prices are lower than the price of natural gas in some areas across the US and they have been for over the last two decades or so, according to data from Energy Answers Today. Moreover, the price of these commodities depends on demand and supply. Currently, there are more oil deposits than natural gas deposits in the world. Put another way, the price of natural gas is more likely to rise due to scarcity. This means that when you compare home heating oil prices to natural gas prices, you will pay far less.
Home Heating Oil Hamilton NJ
Natural gas and home heating oil are the two main heating fuels in America. However, the latter is generally more attractive due to various factors including the price, safety, environmental impact, service plans and efficiency.
When you are looking for the best home heating oil prices today and for heating oil companies near me, be sure to contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer the best prices and fast deliveries. Be sure to call us today to schedule a heating oil delivery.
Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Hamilton, Princeton, Trenton and these zip codes: 08501, 08619, 08540, 08601 as well as all surrounding areas in the Mercer County, New Jersey.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!