Heating oil has been keeping homes warm for almost as long as we’ve been around (that’s a long time) – ever since forced air heating systems were introduced in the 1920s. Yet it remains a misunderstood home energy source, thanks largely to the reputation it earned as a “dirty” fuel up through the 1970s.
Well, heating oil has come a long way in the last four decades, improving across the board in environmental and efficiency performance – and today, it’s one of the safest and best ways to heat your Seacoast home.
Here are four reasons that make oil heat a great choice, particularly when compared to electric-powered heating systems:
It’s energy efficient: New oil heat boilers and furnaces range from 83 to 95 percent efficient. While that may not be as high as some gas-burning systems, that’s offset by the fact that heating oil produces more BTUs per gallon than gas (about 130,00 vs. 95,000 for propane), which means you don’t have to burn as much of it to stay warm. Either option is a big upgrade from electrical heating systems, especially in colder weather when heat pumps lose most of their efficiency.
It keeps you warm and comfortable: Oil-heated homes are comfortable even during the coldest days of winter here in Maine and New Hampshire because heating oil can generate temperatures that reach 2,200 degrees F – far higher temps than an electric heat pump can muster.
It’s clean-burning: Today’s oil heat – especially when treated with UltraGuard – is 95 percent cleaner than it was in 1970. In fact, new oil heating systems produce no soot, dirt or odor – the main reason why heating oil is not subject to Clean Air Act requirements. Biofuel blends also help reduce the carbon footprint of oil heat.
It’s safe: Dropping a match in a pool of oil would have about the same effect as if you dropped it in water. That’s because heating oil needs to be vaporized, then heated to 144 degrees F before it will burn – the conditions created by the advanced burning system in your oil burner.
Want to learn more about the benefits of heating oil, or sign up for heating oil delivery in the Seacoast Area? Contact the expert sales team at P. Gagnon & Son today!
