It’s time to install a new heating system in your Dover, Delaware, home. You’ve got a budget laid out, your wishlist is on the table, and you’ve begun your research. Now you face a number of decisions. Do you install an indoor air cleaner along with your system? What size should your system be? In addition to answering these questions, you’ll also need to choose between fueling your heating system with natural gas or oil. Whether you choose a gas or oil heater will depend on your circumstances and where your concerns lie with system lifespan, energy efficiency, and costs.
Lifespan
You want your heating system to last. Many factors go into determining the lifespan of your HVAC system, and even more factors will determine if your system survives up to its prescribed span. While gas furnaces will last between 12 and 15 years, oil furnaces, with consistent maintenance, can continue operating efficiently for at least 30 years.
Energy Efficiency
You want a heating system that you can rely on to keep you comfortable through the winter without breaking the bank. While new gas-fueled heating systems can certainly be energy efficient with proper care, oil generally has a higher BTU output, meaning that oil burns much hotter than natural gas and will likely heat your living space in half the time while burning less fuel.
Costs
The cost differences between oil and gas are slight, but may be significant depending on your current situation. Natural gas is the cheaper fuel source of the two, even though the oil-burning heater will often use less fuel. However, heating systems that use oil are generally cheaper than natural-gas furnaces. Whether you want to pay less up front or save over time is up to you.
Both natural gas and oil-fueled heating systems will keep you cozy, but you’ll have to consider your individual circumstances to decide which unit is better for you. To see which system is better for your situation, or to have either a natural gas or oil heater installed, call Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.
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