- A common misconception among consumers is that oil used to heat the home is dirty. It actually is a clear liquid with a reddish tint which is surprisingly friendly to the planet and to users. A few of the characteristics that prove this are that home heating oil is nontoxic, biodegradable and it contains no cancer-causing carcinogens. There is almost no smoke or discharge from combustion, and the output of greenhouse gas is much less than that of natural gas. The overall cleanliness of the burning oil is around 99 percent. Unlike the risks associated with gas, there is no explosion risk with oil, and the output of emissions is so low that there are no regulations on it by the Federal Clean Air Act. Oil heating systems are very efficient and clean and have almost no impact at all on the environment.
Propane is also a clean fuel to heat your home with. It, too, has nontoxic qualities and is an efficient fuel source. When compared to other types, propane furnaces emit 37 percent fewer greenhouse gasses. It is considered by the Environmental Protection Act to be one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. - Home heating oil is a very safe choice in the fact that there is no explosive quality. If it comes in contact with an open flame, it will not explode; it have virtually no effect on the oil. There is only a minimal risk of poisoning from carbon monoxide. One of the most unpleasant characteristics of heating oil is that it has a petroleum odor, usually only noticeable immediately after delivery. It goes away quickly, so if there is a lingering odor, it may be a sign that maintenance is needed.
Propane has a lower range of flammability, and it is released as a vapor from a pressurized tank, making ingestion very unlikely. Incomplete combustion of propane can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result in death. - When compared with other types of heating choices, oil is very efficient. To get the heating equivalent of one gallon of heating oil, you would need 40.6 KWh of electricity, 1.4 therms of natural gas or 1.52 gallons of propane. The systems of oil heaters have an efficiency rating that is significantly higher than those of electricity, gas, propane or wood. Several advances in technology have boosted those ratings to over 90 percent.
Propane heating systems are becoming more energy-efficient as well, with some now carrying ratings of 92 to 94 percent. Electronic ignition means no pilot lights are necessary, making the system more energy efficient. - Most home oil heating systems last an average of at least 30 years. The lifespan of a gas furnace is about half. Because you own the heating oil storage tank, you have security and control that many other options don't offer. You choose when to buy oil, and the wise consumer will purchase when oil prices are low. You basically own your fuel supply, located on your property.
- The long lifespan of an oil heating system makes it very cost efficient. Pair that with being able to purchase oil when prices are lower, and you have a very energy and cost efficient system. There are also no monthly customer charges, equipment or labor costs, which makes oil heating even more attractive.
Propane cost range between 20 and 40 percent more than those of natural gas, but when compared to electricity, the heating cost is about 50 percent less. The propane tank is typically owned by the fuel company.
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