Gas Furnaces vs. Oil Furnaces | Heating Company | Rusk Heating & Cooling

Oil Heating Versus Gas Heating

Lots of people in our area are talking about a question we receive quite often – when it comes to home heating systems which is better, gas or oil? There’s lots to consider when you’re deciding whether to choose a gas furnace or an oil furnace, but there are a few factors that play a much larger role than others and we’re highlighting them for you below:

Which System Is More Efficient? This comes down to Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).This rating measures how efficient a machine’s combustion is – the higher the rating, the more efficient the machine. Gas systems are generally more efficient than oil systems. Most new oil furnaces have a rating somewhere between 80% and 90%. Gas systems on the other hand come in a bit higher with an average rating between 89% and 98%.

Which System Has the Higher Up-Front Price? Even though gas furnaces tend to be a bit more efficient, they come with a higher price tag. On average, gas furnaces cost anywhere from 10% to 25% more than oil systems.

Gas Furnaces vs. Oil Furnaces | Northern Kentucky Heating | Rusk Heating & Cooling

Here are a few differences to consider when choosing between an oil or gas furnace:

  • Oil Requires Deliveries: Oil furnaces give off more heat per BTU, but a storage tank is required and you must receive oil deliveries when the tank runs dry.
  • Oil Can Be Cheaper: Depending on the area, heating oil can be less expensive than natural gas.
  • Oil Is Abundant: Despite numerous global conditions and a changing environment, there is still an abundance or crude oil.
  • Gas Is More Efficient: Gas furnaces tend to be more efficient, but you must live in an area where natural gas is readily available.
  • Gas Requires Less Maintenance: Gas furnaces require a bit less when it comes to maintenance and tend to operate more quietly than oil systems
  • Gas Can Power Generators: Permanent standby generators can run off your home’s natural gas line.
  • Gas Has Lower Emissions: Gas heat tends to have lower carbon emissions than oil, but some have concerns about how fracking affects ecosystems.

Interested in learning more about the pros and cons of each type of furnace? That’s what we’re here for! Call on the home heating specialists at Rusk Heating & Cooling today – we’re waiting to hear from you.