If you are considering making the transition to home heating oil, you should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages. Heating oil can be used to heat homes or commercial spaces. It’s not the most environmentally friendly option nor is it the cheapest but it is efficient, reliable and portable. Let’s take a look at the specific pros and cons.
Pros Of Home Heating Oil
Heating oil is quite portable compared to other heating methods. Houses situated in areas that are difficult to access often use oil for heat. All it takes is some pipes to direct the oil from a containment unit into the home.
Heating oil performs very well. It burns about 400 degrees hotter than electricity or natural gas so it warms up an indoor space quite efficiently. It creates a warm environment in very little time. It will really come in handy during those harsh winter days when you come indoors from the brutal cold and need to warm up right away.
Heating oil is cheaper than electric based heat and many other heating methods. On average, it is about 2 to 5 times less expensive than electric heat. It is especially efficient for large houses.
Today’s oil heat systems burn much cleaner than previous designs so that there is very little soot released into the surroundings. Heating oil burns quite clean and there are no cancer causing components. When a home heating system is installed, it will produce merely .003 of particulate emissions that create air pollution. Unlike natural gas, there are no harmful methane emissions created with heating oil. You can burn your oil with a clear conscience.
Cons Of Home Heating Oil
Heating oil creates a “puffback”, or soot that is sent into the surrounding area. This occurs as oil fumes collect during an ignition stall. When the switch is lit, a small explosion is created that sends these fumes and dust around. While puffbacks aren’t as commonplace and significant as they used to be, they do constitute a disadvantage of heating oil.
If home heating oil is spilled, it can negatively impact the surrounding space. It can take weeks or months to clean up, depending on how large of a spill has occurred.
Home heating oil is not a renewable energy source so it can’t be replaced. It also creates carbon dioxide, a green house gas that helps to cause ozone depletion. It also creates sulphur trioxide and sulphur dioxide that create acid rain. Acid rain wears away at building masonry, rocks and forests.
Oil furnaces require electricity to operate so the result will be an increase in your electric bill. You will also have to budget for oil delivery at spaced out intervals. If your tank goes empty when you are waiting on a delivery, you will have a cold home until your fuel is replenished.
Compared to natural gas, home heating oil is fairly expensive. Those who switch from oil heat to natural gas can save upwards of $1,000 per year. Yet the transition between systems will be quite expensive. It will cost thousands of dollars for a single family home. Fortunately, it will pay for itself over the ensuing years. Oil prices are also quite volatile compared to other home heating sources like natural gas. Home heating oil doesn’t drop as the price of gasoline drops. Rather, it is closely linked to kerosene and diesel prices.
When you attempt to sell a home that is heated with oil, it reduces the number of potential buyers. Many home seekers are looking for modern houses with newer heating technologies.
FAQ Section: Home Heating Oil
1. What are the benefits of using home heating oil for heating?
Home heating oil offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for many households. Firstly, it burns hotter than natural gas or electricity, ensuring that your home warms up quickly, even during the coldest winter days. Additionally, modern heating oil systems are much cleaner than older versions, with minimal particulate emissions. It’s also a reliable option for homes in remote locations where other heating options might not be feasible.
2. How does home heating oil compare to natural gas?
While both heating oil and natural gas have their pros and cons, heating oil burns at a higher temperature, providing quicker and more intense heat. However, natural gas tends to be more cost-effective and is considered a cleaner energy source, producing fewer greenhouse gases. The choice between the two often comes down to availability and personal preference.
3. Is home heating oil environmentally friendly?
Home heating oil is not the most environmentally friendly option available. It produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and can contribute to air pollution if not properly managed. However, advances in technology have significantly reduced the emissions from modern oil heating systems, making them cleaner than before.
4. What should I do if I spill home heating oil?
In the unfortunate event of a heating oil spill, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact a professional cleanup service immediately, as oil spills can have long-lasting environmental impacts and are challenging to clean up. Depending on the severity, it might take weeks or even months to fully remediate the area.
5. How does the cost of heating oil fluctuate?
Heating oil prices can be volatile, influenced by global oil markets, weather conditions, and seasonal demand. Unlike natural gas, which has more stable pricing, heating oil prices can vary significantly from year to year. Keeping an eye on market trends can help you plan your heating expenses more effectively.
6. Can heating oil systems operate during a power outage?
Unfortunately, heating oil systems typically require electricity to operate. This means that during a power outage, your heating system will not function unless you have a backup power source, such as a generator. It’s essential to be prepared for such situations, especially in areas prone to winter storms.
7. What maintenance is required for a home heating oil system?
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your heating oil system runs efficiently. This includes annual inspections, cleaning the furnace, and replacing filters. A well-maintained system not only performs better but also lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
8. Is home heating oil safe to use?
Home heating oil is generally safe when used correctly and maintained properly. It’s not explosive like natural gas and is less likely to cause fires. However, safety concerns such as oil spills and puffbacks (small explosions that can occur in oil furnaces) should be addressed through regular maintenance and prompt repairs.
9. How does heating oil affect home resale value?
Homes heated with oil may have a slightly lower resale value compared to those using more modern systems like natural gas or electric heat pumps. Buyers often prefer newer, more energy-efficient heating options. However, this can vary depending on the region and the availability of other heating options.
10. What are the alternatives to home heating oil?
Alternatives to home heating oil include natural gas, propane, electric heat, and renewable options like geothermal or solar heating. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. It’s worth exploring these options to find the best fit for your home and budget.
