Electric Heat Vs Oil Heat

Electric and oil heat are not as common as other ways of heating your home.

Electric heat and oil heat each have advantages and disadvantages. Neither are the most popular type of in-home heat: natural gas is generally more popular and more efficient.

Electric Heat

Electric heat is clean and quiet, since there is no furnace making noises. However, as of 2010, it is getting more expensive all the time. Many regions are introducing time of use pricing, which means that power costs more at certain times of the day. Relying exclusively on electric heat could be very expensive under this system.

Oil Heat

Oil heat is slightly less expensive than electric heat, but some people notice an oil smell in their homes with this type of heat. Also, older oil furnaces can leak, which can leave a disastrous mess in the home. It can be difficult to get house insurance for a home with an oil furnace.

Increasing Heat Efficiency

Whether you have oil or electric heat, there are ways can get more heat for your money. Check the weather stripping on windows and doors every year, add insulation to your attic and shut off heat vents or the electric heater in rooms that aren't used very often.

If you have an oil furnace, use a programmable thermostat so you can set the temperature lower at night and when you're not home.

References

• Havill's Mini Homes: Electric vs. Oil Heat Usage