Oil to Propane Furnace Conversions: 5 Things You Need To Know
After getting their first oil heating bill of the winter and seeing how expensive winter can be, Long Island homeowners often wonder the best way to save money on home heating.
One effective way to save money is to convert your oil furnace to propane. Switching to propane has numerous other benefits for health, safety, and convenience. It’s even better for the environment. Keep reading to learn the benefits of switching from oil to propane for home heating.
1. Propane is More Efficient
After switching from oil to propane heating, homeowners are likely to notice a decrease in their home heating bills. Because propane is a much more efficient source of fuel than oil, you need to use much less to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Converting to propane heat is an investment: while there may be upfront costs associated with switching, you will save money in the long run.
2. Avoid Oil Leaks
Oil Leaks are messy
While oil and propane tanks in good condition are unlikely to leak, there is always a small chance that a leak may occur at some point in the tank’s lifetime and most owners never have any issues. Oil leaks and propane gas leaks are problematic because both materials are flammable.
Oil leaks are difficult to clean
Oil leaks are messy and difficult to clean—just as it is difficult to clean oil off a pan. Anything it comes into contact with could be stained or damaged. In addition to cleaning any mess, you will need to get your oil tank repaired or replaced.
Propane, on the other hand, is a gas that quickly dissipates in the event of a leak. Therefore it requires no cleanup—you will simply need to get your tank repaired or replaced.
3. Insurance Companies Love Propane
Due to risks associated with using oil heat, your insurance company may charge higher rates if you use oil to heat your home. Many companies offer a reduction in rates to customers who switch from oil to propane fuel for their furnaces.
In addition to a difference in insurance cost, most insurance companies also have additional regulations that customers must follow when using oil heat.
Rules vary by the insurance company, but it’s common for insurers to have rules regarding:
- Required maintenance of your oil furnace
- Placement of the furnace
- Ventilation requirements
- Insurance-approved maintenance and inspections
- Required replacement of your furnace
In comparison, propane heating has fewer risks associated with it and is less likely to cause health or safety issues. Therefore, homeowners using a propane furnace are subject to less regulation.
4. Propane Furnace Maintenance is a Breeze
Out of all the benefits of switching to propane, convenience is one of the most compelling reasons to make the move. Owning a propane furnace is a breeze compared to dealing with an oil-fueled model. Propane tanks and furnaces don’t need as much maintenance as their oil counterparts.
It’s also convenient that insurance companies don’t tend to place extra restrictions or requirements on propane furnaces. Getting a large propane tank refilled isn’t as much of a hassle as refilling an oil tank is, and there’s no risk of an accidental mess.
5. Propane Fuels Trendy Gas Appliances
Another way switching to propane benefits you is by serving as a versatile fuel solution. Most homeowners don’t use oil for their furnace for anything else—Nor would they want to, given that oil is often the priciest fuel option available.
Homeowners can use propane to fuel many common appliances, including stoves refrigerators, dryers, or even to heat your pool. This makes having a propane tank worthwhile all year, whereas your oil tank won’t get much use until winter comes around. Switching to propane can be a great opportunity—or excuse—to install the latest gas range that you’ve been eyeing.
6. Propane is Better for the Environment
One benefit of oil to propane furnace conversions is that burning propane releases fewer harmful emissions than burning oil does. As such, propane-burning furnaces are better for the environment than oil-burning furnaces are.
- Propane is a clean-burning fuel source
- Oil heat produces harmful byproducts
- Propane does not produce any byproducts harmful to human health
Whether you’re concerned about your health or that of the planet, opting for propane is the better option.
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