Is it a Good Idea to Switch from Oil to Natural Gas in 2023?
In the fall and winter, some older homes on the East Coast still rely on oil to heat their homes, despite the increasing rarity of oil furnaces. For our harsh New England winters, many recommend switching to gas heat. By doing so, you will not only save money and energy over time, but you will also make your home more attractive if you decide to sell it. Perhaps most important of all, you are less likely to run out of fuel when it’s freezing outside.
Reduced Heating Costs
You will likely have to spend a few thousand dollars on both the equipment and installation, depending on your particular situation, when you make the switch. If, however, you run your heater often in the winter, you can expect to save more money by making the trade.
However, changing to natural gas as a fuel source should save you money in two ways: Natural gas is generally cheaper than oil as a fuel source, and natural gas is more efficient as an energy source.
Flexibility & Longevity
Using natural gas provides you with flexibility that oil cannot. Would you like to cook on a gas stove or install a gas fireplace? Would you like to heat your swimming pool with natural gas? There are many options available to you with natural gas in your home that fuel oil does not provide.
It is more expensive to maintain oil furnaces because soot and dirt accumulates over time. Gas furnaces, on the other hand, stay clean throughout the heating season, and they do not require oil deliveries, oil changes, or oil filters. A properly maintained gas furnace can last up to 20 years.
Go Green
Natural gas burns cleaner than oil, reducing carbon dioxide by up to 40% and sulfur dioxide by 99.9%. By using natural gas for heating, you reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet’s limited resources.
Since natural gas is still a fossil fuel, it is not as green as alternatives like wind and solar power. Even so, it burns cleaner and more completely than oil, without producing soot or unpleasant odors. In addition, no fuel tank means no chance of an accidental fuel spill contaminating the earth or groundwater.
Is it Time?
If you are considering updating your heating system, now is the time to decide. Switching from oil to natural gas does require an investment. But future savings and comfort should return that investment over time and then begin to save you money as a bonus. We can assess your unique situation and energy usage to show you if switching from oil to gas will be worth the expense.
Waldman Plumbing & Heating has been helping the residents of Swampscott and the North Shore area for over 100 years with their heating system repairs and installations. If you’d like to find out about the many choices available, check out our coupons and then give us a call for an appointment at 781.780.3184.