Oil or Propane: Which Is Right for My Home?
Choosing between heating oil and propane to heat your home can be a tough decision. Both offer unique advantages, and they differ in several important ways. We’ve compiled a list of the benefits of each fuel here to help you make an informed decision.
Heating Oil
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High BTU Output: Heating oil generates more heat per gallon than other liquid fuels, which increases fuel efficiency.
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Clean burning: Today’s heating oil burns 95% cleaner than it did in 1970, significantly reducing your carbon emissions and air pollution.
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Safety: Heating oil won’t ignite until its temperature has hit 140°F and the liquid atomizes, reducing the risk of house fires.
Propane
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Efficiency: With a high energy output, your propane-powered heating equipment will heat your home quickly.
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Clean burning: Propane emits fewer greenhouse gases than heating oil, which reduces your carbon emissions and does good for the environment.
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Safety: Propane is also a safe fuel – it produces minimal amounts of carbon, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also treated with a rotten egg smell to help you identify a leak.
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Versatility: Propane does more than just heat your home! It can power various appliances such as backup generators, dryers, and stoves and it gives you the best bang for your buck.
Now that we’ve given you a list of the advantages, there are several other factors that need to be taken into account for both heating oil and propane:
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Heating costs might vary based on supply, national demand, and how much fuel your equipment needs.
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Equipment costs for each fuel also vary depending on your home’s size, the severity of winters, and the amount of maintenance required.
With all that said, there really is no right answer to using heating oil or propane, it all depends on your needs and budget. However, whether you use heating oil, propane, or both, Parker Oil & Propane is here to provide the fuel you need for your Virginia home, no matter the season. Our automatic delivery services will ensure you’ll always have the fuel you need. If you’re not sure of which fuel to use, our experts can help you make the right decision for your household. Visit our propane page and heating oil page for more information on our fuel services.
