Fuel Oil vs. Natural Gas

The Real Facts May Surprise You

Sometimes what we think is not necessarily the truth. Take for example these fundamental facts about fuel oil, natural gas, and propane.

• Natural gas is not so clean. Natural gas is 95% methane. Leaks from natural gas pipelines account for 18% of all methane emissions each year. Methane has 70 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Many natural gas pipelines are over 50 years old and these lines account for approximately 180,000 leaks each year in the US! - according to the natural gas industry.
• Meanwhile, oil heat fuel and technology is cleaner than ever. Today's low sulfur fuel and BioHeat blends mean fuel oil is cleaner than ever. With a modern heating technology, oil is as efficient and clean as natural gas - without the pollution from natural gas pipelines.
• Propane misses the economic mark. What many consumers do not realize is that real heating value is proportional to the energy derived from the fuel. This means the fuel's BTU value must be considered - not just the gallon price. Therefore, to compare oil and propane one must factor in the BTU value of the respective fuels. Consider the real math.
  
  FUEL OIL: 140,000 BTU * 90% / $3.29 = 38,297 BTU's per dollar
  PROPANE: 89,000 BTU * 88% / $2.89 = 27,100 BTU's per dollar
• Converting is a $ loser. One of the most respected consumer publications, Money Magazine, has stated that "the cost of converting [from fuel oil] would be higher than any potential savings you'd get". On the other hand, an upgrade in oil heat equipment can cost half as much as a conversion. If your current boiler is 15 years old or older you can save an additional 30% per year in efficiency.

When the facts are clear the choice is clear.
Today's fuel oil is not only the most economic way to heat your home; it's also the best choice environmentally. Please call us if you have any questions or if you would like more information on our new highly efficient oil heat technology.