If you’re in the market for a new furnace or boiler, choosing between home heating fuel and natural gas will be one of your biggest challenges. At first glance, natural gas may seem like the best option, as it is more predominantly used throughout the United States. However, as Monroe Oil Company explains, heating fuel offers a wide world of benefits that natural gas can’t. To help inform consumers on their choices, this fuel delivery service of Rochester, NY, compares a few key factors between home heating oil and gas.

How Does Home Heating Oil Compare to Natural Gas?

Cost

When it comes to both short- and long-term costs, home heating oil offers several advantages. Although previous spikes in crude oil prices have left many weary of insecure costs, those rates have since stabilized, leaving it at a price that is comparable to natural gas. Typically, oil supplies last longer than gas, making it a better economical choice. There are also assistance programs to help consumers lower their heating oil costs.  

Performance

Compared to natural gas, heating fuel offers 35% more BTUs. With more heating power, it is able to quickly warm up homes—and hot water supplies—so consumers can establish comfortable temperatures in a reasonable amount of time.

Safety

Despite common beliefs, home heating fuel is relatively safe. For example, it is only flammable in its flammable state, not when it is a liquid. In addition, oil carries a low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Natural gas, by contrast, is highly combustible and susceptible to leaks that can increase the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Maintenance Needs

Compared to other types of heating systems, those that use oil tend to last the longest, with a top life span of 30 years. While routine maintenance is needed to extend performance life, these systems face minimal wear thanks to the fuel’s clean-burning properties. Although natural gas systems tend to be more expensive, they only offer a maximum life span of about 15 years.

Supply

There’s a belief that heating oil is in limited supply, but the truth is that there are more than 800 million pounds of the fuel stocked in U.S. reserves alone. Engineers have also found ways to make the substance semi-renewable, a quality natural gas doesn’t offer.

While home heating oil supplies may be ample, it’s still important to have a reliable provider in your area so you have fuel when you need it. Specializing in fuel delivery in the Rochester, NY, area, Monroe Oil Company will keep your supplies in check. Learn more about their resources online or call (585) 244-4080 to set up convenient home delivery.