Heating oil has been used for many years to keep American residences and commercial spaces warm throughout the cold winter months. Despite this, it remains a commonly misunderstood fuel source. If you’re weighing out your heating options, it’s important you know the following myths about oil heat and the truth behind them.

Common Heating Oil Misconceptions 

1. Heating With Oil Is Expensive

Oil has become increasingly cost-effective over the years due to new technologies and can now be more affordable than both natural gas and electricity. Pricing does fluctuate, but if you’re strategic about when you refill your supply, you can often avoid paying the higher costs.

2. Oil Heat Hurts the Environment 

Considerable strides have been made toward lessening the impact fuel oil has on the environment, and it burns significantly cleaner than it did decades ago. Additionally, there is a continuing effort to further reduce the emissions it produces. In turn, this has made heating oil one of the more eco-friendly ways to heat a home or business. 

3. Oil Is an Inefficient Heat Source

In reality, the efficiency of your fuel largely depends on the efficiency of your heating system. The more efficient your furnace or boiler is, the less fuel will be used. Also, oil provides more heat per gallon than any other type of fuel, so systems require much less than they need when burning propane or natural gas. 

4. Heating Oil Is Dangerous 

Many people have the mistaken belief that heating oil is highly flammable. It would have to be heated and vaporized before igniting and bursting into flames, unlike natural gas, which can explode at room temperature if exposed to an open flame. There is also a low risk of carbon monoxide leaks with oil heat.

Separating fact from fiction is necessary to gain a better understanding of heating oil and all the benefits it has to offer. If you have additional questions about heating your home or business with oil, contact Alaska Petroleum. Based in North Pole, AK, they are proud to be recognized as one of the top fuel distributors serving residents throughout the state. They have been providing customers with high-quality and affordably priced heating oil for nearly 40 years. Call (907) 488-2575 to place an order or visit them online to learn more about their delivery service.