Oil vs. Gas Heat: Pros & Cons

At the start of every winter season, we watch the perennial debate unfold again—whether oil or gas heating is the better option for homeowners. To that, we say, “It truly depends.” An informed decision will consider several factors, from comfort to budget to environmental footprint. Ready to get down to the brass tacks? In this article, we’ll highlight the key features of each heating system, plus the pros and cons. 

Overview of Oil Heat

Heating oil is a hydrocarbon-based fuel derived from refined petroleum. Liquid at room temperature, heating oil tends to be more viscous than gasoline but less dense than diesel. It’s typically housed in furnaces and boilers to distribute warm air or hot water throughout residential and buildings.

With pre-buy plans and a user-friendly app that allows you to manage oil deliveries and orders, Haffner’s is a reputable partner for all your heating needs this season.

Overview of Propane Heat

Composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, propane is a clean-burning fuel used for heating, cooking, transportation, powering certain appliances, and more. A colorless, odorless gas in its natural state, is odorized to federal standards before distribution into the marketplace. It’s compressed into a liquid and stored in onsite tanks.

Haffner’s is also available for your propane needs. It’s as easy as filling out our online form.

The Pros and Cons of Oil Heat

To best inform yourself on oil and gas heating choices, let’s evaluate the pros and cons of each.

The Pros of Oil

• Cost: Oil heating units tend to cost less than their gas counterparts.
• Efficiency: Heating oil systems provide efficient heating. They heat large spaces evenly and ensure a warm and comfortable home throughout frigid winter months.
• Heating Capacity: Oil systems are known for their powerful heating capacity, making them especially suitable for larger homes.
• Lifespan: With proper maintenance, oil furnaces can last up to 30 years. 

The Cons of Oil

• Unpredictable Prices: Like motor fuel, home heating oil is subject to the same price volatility. Driven by supply and demand, oil prices can be challenging to budget for as they change frequently. That’s why we offer price protection plans.
• Output: Compared to gas furnaces, oil furnaces have lower efficiency ratings, typically between 80% to 90%.
• Upkeep: Oil heating systems should have annual cleanings to ensure they are performing at their optimum levels.
• Size: Heating oil requires an on-site storage tank, which can take up a decent amount of space in the home. 

Want to know more? Check out Our Complete Guide to Heating Oil.

The Pros and Cons of Propane Heat

The Pros of Propane

• Size: Gas furnaces occupy less space in the home, as they don’t require a storage tank.
• Ease of Maintenance: Propane heating systems typically do not require the amount of regular maintenance that an oil system does because of it’s clean burning properties.
• Cost: After the initial installation fees, gas heating is an incredibly cost-effective option, as it is highly available and less volatile than oil. The United States produces nearly 90%, which cuts out import costs. Lastly, propane is highly efficient, meaning a small amount of fuel produces a great deal of heat without the high price tag. 
• Environmentally Friendly: Propane is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than other fossil fuels.
• Adaptable: A new gas furnace can connect to an existing HVAC system and does not require a new system. 

We’re passionate about gas heating. Read more about the extensive benefits of propane.

The Cons of Propane

• Safety: A professionally installed propane heating system with periodic maintenance is a very safe, efficient and effective option for your home heating needs.
• Installation Costs: Propane heating systems are very flexible and can combine heating and air conditioning, as well as on demand heat and hot water. This allows you to pack many of your comfort needs into one single unit.
• Lifespan: A well-performing, well-maintained gas furnace can last between 15 and 20 years.
• Routine Care: Propane systems should have regularly scheduled upkeep and inspection from HVAC professionals to ensure they are running at peak performance.

Choosing the Right Heating Method For Your Home

Both oil and propane heating systems have their merits and drawbacks. To make the best choice for your home, consider overall costs, efficiency, and environmental impact. No matter which option you decide is best for your home, Haffner’s can provide reliable oil or propane, ensuring that all your needs are met. Explore our heating oil and propane offerings today.