Yes, temperatures are getting warmer in northern and central New Jersey, but spring is the best time to consider switching to a gas-burning furnace. You won’t have to go without central heating during work, and by the time temperatures cool down again, you’ll be prepared for a snug and cozy winter. Here’s everything you need to know about deciding to go for an oil-to-gas conversion.
Is heating with gas cheaper than heating with oil?
The first benefit of switching from oil to gas heat is that natural gas costs less than oil, and the price is more stable. Oil prices are subject to many global factors, while those influencing natural gas production are simpler and focused in North America.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, you are heating a home with oil costs around 30% to 50% more than natural gas every year since 2002. In addition, it’s more convenient to heat with gas since you only need to hook up to a gas line. On the other hand, oil has to be stored in a tank on your property.
Are gas furnaces more efficient than oil furnaces?
Furnace efficiency ranks according to Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. AFUE rating measures how efficiently a furnace combusts, with a higher rating equating to better efficiency. Oil furnaces have AFUE ratings from 80% to 90%, compared to 89% to 98% for gas.
A more efficient furnace saves you money and is kinder to the environment.
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Are gas furnaces easier to maintain than oil furnaces?
Oil furnace maintenance is not just about the furnace itself but also about the storage tank, which must be periodically refilled by a delivery company that will also have to service the furnace. Due to soot and dirt buildup, oil furnaces and chimneys need frequent cleaning, and filters need to be changed often.
Conversely, gas furnaces require little maintenance and efficiently run without interruption. They also tend to run more quietly and cleaner than oil furnaces.
How do oil furnaces affect the environment?
One major environmental drawback of oil is also a drawback of natural gas — they are both located with fracking, which can have a devastating impact on local groundwater, often without the discovery of oil or gas.
Oil, however, can also be linked to many tragic spills that resulted from transporting and drilling, such as the Deepwater Horizon accident and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
On a more every day but equally important level, burning oil is a significant source of air pollution. This pollution contributes to global warming by adding more greenhouse gasses to our environment. Gas is a much cleaner burning fuel, emitting 24% less carbon dioxide, reducing the harmful gas released into the atmosphere, and improving the air quality in your home.
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Gas furnaces are more expensive than oil furnaces, and it is costly to convert an oil furnace to burn gas. However, with fuel savings between $500 and $950 a year, it won’t take long for you to recoup the initial cost.
Furthermore, thanks to the state of New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities, you can get a rebate for converting your oil furnace to a gas-burning furnace through your utility company.
Switch from oil to gas heat now, and reap the benefits at home and in your bank account. To get the job done right, call Service Professionals at (908) 585-4526, contact us online, and get the Thumbs Up Guarantee!
