Oil Furnace Vs. Gas Furnace
If you are frustrated with the increasing cost of natural gas, you may be considering switching your furnace from gas to an oil-burning unit. More attention is also being placed on the environmental impact of furnace emissions, which makes oil furnaces an even more attractive option with their clean-burning fuel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Safety
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Heating oil is a safer choice of fuel for a home furnace. Natural gas can be quite dangerous if it leaks because it will explode if ignited by a spark or open flame, while heating oil will not. If spilled, heating oil is biodegradable and nontoxic.
Emissions
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The oil used to fuel a furnace is much cleaner than the typical petroleum-based oils that are used in automobiles. It resembles the clear kerosene used in portable lanterns and does not produce toxic fumes when burned. In contrast, burning natural gas releases poisonous carbon monoxide into the air. A gas furnace must have a flue system to vent these waste products out of the home. The emissions are reduced when using propane to fuel a furnace instead of natural gas.
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Fuel Supply
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You must have an oil tank on your premises to store the fuel for an oil furnace. You must also find an oil supplier and arrange for deliveries to keep your tank filled. Natural gas is more convenient because the utility company is responsible for the storage and delivery. However, having your own oil tank allows you to stock up when prices are low, which cannot be done with natural gas.
Maintenance
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While emissions are cleaner with an oil furnace, burning the oil is a dirty process inside of the furnace unit. The interior of the furnace must be cleaned out periodically to ensure that the nozzles do not become plugged. A gas furnace usually just needs a simple change of the air filter to keep it running clean for 15 to 20 years.
Amount
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Fuel costs are generally lower and more stable with an oil furnace because the oil is produced by a number of independent third parties instead of one central utility company that provides natural gas. Utility companies have been steadily raising the price of natural gas over the last several years and this trend shows no signs of stopping in the near future.
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References
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Comments
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energylogic
Oct 19, 2009
Great info. Thanks. I couldnt agree more! One of the fascinating things about used oil is that it has the same amount of energy content as it did before it was used, which makes it a greatand cheap!fuel. Businesses that generate this oil can safely recycle it onsite in the most environmentally friendly manner available with a waste oil furnace or boiler. These complete heating systems provide safe fuel management, EPA-approved used oil disposal and free heat. Emissions are incredibly low and the byproduct is a fine ash that can be thrown away. As if eliminating a heating bill werent enough! All waste oil furnaces are not the same. EnergyLogic systems are the only complete systems that make fuel management, maintenance and ownership simple. They are engineered for extensive use in rugged climates, which means they can withstand any shop environment. They require no daily, weekly ...
