Is Oil Heat Better Than Electric or Gas?

11 Facts You Should Know About Oil Heating

There are a host of reasons why oil heat is considered better for heating a home. For instance, when compared to gas heating,  oil burns approximately 16 percent more efficiently than gas.  This is just one of many benefits of using oil heat. This article compares the differences among oil heat, electric heat and gas heat. It will also share a few reasons why many people prefer using oil as a source for heating a home.   The following are 11 facts you should know about oil heat vs gas heating.

Fact #1: When heating oil is inhaled, it is not fatal. Gas, on the other hand, tends to leak carbon monoxide, which is deadly. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also known as the leading cause of death in the United States. The chances of carbon monoxide leaking into a home from oil heat is very unlikely.

Fact #2: Oil is a lot safer than other heating sources.  For example, oil is not explosive and it only ignites by a burning system within a furnace.

Fact #3: The hot water recovery rating on a oil water heater is much faster than electric water heater and gas water heating.

Fact #4: According to experts, people burn 40 percent more natural gas just to receive the same amount of heating as oil heating.

Fact #5: Oil heating is less expensive than natural gas, depending on what state you live in.

Fact #6: Oil heat is offered by a variety of companies, where as Gas is provided by one utility. With gas heating, there is no competition and no choice.

Fact #7: According to the Consumer Energy Council of America (CECA), it is unwise to convert from oil to a gas heating system.

Fact #8: Natural Gas produces approximately 100,000 BTUs of heat per gallon and oil heat only produces 140,000 BTUs per gallon.

Fact #9: Oil heating allows you to use your supply as you need it, and  you can control your own oil supply. The oil is basically stored on your property.

Fact #10: According to experts, oil burners emissions have been decreased close to zero levels. This decreases overall emissions by 95 percent.

Fact #11:  America is considered the third largest oil producing country in the world. There is no dependence of any particular region or nation for oil supplies. Our largest supplier of crude oil is Canada and half of petroleum resources are from the United States.

 

Disadvantages of Using Electric to Heat Your Home

Here are a few disadvantages of using electric heating when compared to oil heating.

 

●        For electric heating, you will need a much larger electrical service than usual. This can be very expensive.

●        If you're using space heaters, it is more difficult to provide central cooling, humidification and filtration.

●        Electric heating is very expensive to operate. Depending on where you live, the overall cost of electricity makes it more expensive than oil heating.

Click here to find out more information about the advantages of using oil heating to warm your home.