Over the last few years, we at North Star have noticed a large influx of people switching from oil to propane. There are many reasons for this change:
The price of oil has increased, including a big jump this season. Other fuels, including propane, have increased as well, but oil is by far the most expensive. There is also the added cost of installing/replacing the oil tank.
While oil does produce more BTUs per litre burned than propane, oil furnaces are significantly less efficient in comparison to propane. This lower efficiency means that the extra BTUs of output oil produces is likely being lost to exhaust and not actually going in to heating your home. Ultimately this means propane furnaces provide more heat to the home per litre than oil furnaces. Oil furnaces also do not burn as cleanly as propane, producing soot and causing maintenance to be more extensive.
Many HVAC companies - including ourselves - have eliminated oil burning work from their services. This means it is more difficult to find a company that will install oil appliances in our area, let alone maintain and repair them.
Insurance companies' rates are higher for homes with oil furnaces. In fact, recently we have had many new customers come to us as a result of insurance companies refusing to insure homes with oil furnaces. This could be due to the environmental hazard and extensive cost if your oil tank were to leak.
If you are looking to make the switch as well, North Star offers free, no obligation quotes! We will visit your home and find a solution that fits your unique needs. In addition to the oil to propane conversion, we also offer oil tank removal that can be done at the same time.
Want to switch over before your next fill up, but are worried about the expense, particularly with the holiday season upon us? North Star offers financing, with no payments for the first 3 months after the installation! Visit our "Financing" page for more information.
For more information, give us a call and arrange your quote today!
