Oil and natural gas are two alternative energy sources for heating purposes. Both can be used for both furnace and boiler. In fact, an oil boiler or furnace can be converted into a gas-fueled one. However, this costs a lot and if it is not performed by a highly competent technician, you might just be wasting more money as problems can arise like corrosion, reduced efficiency and higher fuel cost. So if you are planning to convert your boiler or furnace, check these things first:
Cost.Cost encompasses price, cost of maintenance, and other factors. As regards to price, both have almost the same, with oil slightly less expensive than natural gas. But as prices of both continue to increase, it cannot really be predicted yet which will be less costly years from now. Maintenance largely depends on the contractor you hire. There are well-priced Oil fired boiler contractors in Long Island that you can contact anytime.
Availability. There are areas of the country which have limited to no access to natural gas, especially on the Northeastern part. Oil is a better alternative for them. But if you are in Long Island, there are suppliers of oil and natural gas in the area making sure that their own supplier can supply them enough oil and natural gas whenever needed. This will make sure that they can deliver oil or natural gas to your home in the most convenient time.
Performance. Both oil fired and natural gas fired boilers and furnaces have the same level of performance. It largely depends on how you take care of your heating system. Again, proper maintenance is one major factor. Also, although unacknowledged, installation also plays a vital role in good performance. Faulty installation can cause you a lot of money.
Safety. A fuel leak can happen for both. But it is backed up by evidences that natural gas leak is more hazardous than an oil leak. A gas leak has claimed the lives of a number of people and has destroyed millions of property through the years. Although an oil leak may also post danger, it is minimal and is easily manageable.
Efficiency. It is well-recognized that Oil, Long Island is relatively more efficient than natural gas, with the former having a highest net seasonal efficiency rate of 97% against the 90% of the latter. But this is relative to the kind of boiler or heater you are using. If your oil boiler is an obsolete one which is purchased 15 years ago, then it most likely is less efficient than a natural gas fired boiler of newer design.
These are just but a few considerations. If you do want to know more information, it is always good to ask an expert like a supplier or an established reviewer. With the number of considerations we need to look into, it is really difficult to point out which is more advisable. What we can conclude now is having the best supplier of oil or natural gas for your home is a must.
