Dan's Papers - December 7, 2007

Which form of heating fuel is best? Oil? Gas? Electric? As the price of crude oil now ranges from $90 to $100 per gallon, those who heat their homes with oil may be thinking that another form of fuel is preferable, but this is not necessarily the case. Homeowners have legitimate concerns regarding what type of fuel they use to heat their homes, and being informed will help you to make the best choice for your particular environment.

A traditional furnace draws air from the house into a ductwork system, taking it to an area where it is warmed before being delivered back to living spaces. Newer furnaces use blowers to re-circulate the warmed air. A furnace may be fueled with gas, electricity, oil or even coal or wood. Circulating air is drawn through a filter that helps rid the house of dust and other particles.

Gas and oil furnaces have a pilot light that warms a heat exchange unit, which in turn warms the air before it is circulated back through the house. These furnaces have a flue where exhaust gases vent to the outside. On the other hand, an electric furnace uses heating strips or elements to warm the air. Metal vents that allow warmed air to escape from the system and into the house are usually found in the floors or on walls in living areas. The home's temperature is controlled by changing the settings on a thermostat, usually positioned on a wall at eye-level.

Heating oil creates the hottest flame of any home heating fuel. It's 400 degrees hotter than natural gas or propane and makes electric heat and heat pumps shiver in comparison. Because it's so hot, your home heats up faster, needs less fuel, maintains your desired temperature better and just feels more comfortable.

Is oil safer than gas? While a leak in your oil tank may cause temporary inconveniences, there have been no deaths or injuries associated with leaking oil tanks. The risk of injury is far greater with natural gas leaks, and the statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety over the past ten years show that natural gas pipeline accidents have resulted in the deaths of over 200 people, injured more than 1,700 people and caused more than $300 million in property damage.

Is natural gas cleaner and more efficient than oil? This is a misperception that is refuted by studies done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. According to these studies, heating oil and natural gas produce approximately the same levels of pollutants. Natural gas is not cleaner than heating oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Gas Appliances Manufacturers Association, heating oil equipment is actually more efficient, on average, than natural gas heating equipment.

What about electric heat? No, I'm not talking about fueling your furnace with electricity. I'm referring instead to today's electric heat pumps, which are simply the most efficient form of heating available. Unlike other heating systems, electric heat pumps actually transfer heat from outside your home. They're designed to operate at 250% efficiency, which can save you up to 40% on utility costs. With those savings, heat pumps can pay for themselves in just five years. Basically, a heat pump is a central air-conditioning unit and central heating unit in one. Instead of burning costly fuels like natural gas or oil, a heat pump simply moves heat into or out of your home.

During winter, a heat pump takes the available heat from the outside air and transfers it or "pumps" it, inside your home. (Though winter air feels cold, it still contains a tremendous amount of heat.) During summer, the heat pump automatically reverses this operation, taking heat from the air inside your home and pumping it outside to keep your home cool and comfortable. And an electric heat pump actually works most efficiently when it's set at one consistent temperature - day or night, winter or summer. So, there is never a reason to adjust your thermostat when you leave, and you never have to come home to an uncomfortable house.

While a more efficient heat pump unit can cost more up front, the money you'll save over the life of the unit more than makes up for the additional investment. Simply put - the more efficient the unit, the less expensive the operating cost. And with heat pump technology advancing every day, manufacturers are consistently introducing new models that will match your needs, your budget and your type of house.