It’s no secret that many homeowners are switching from oil to propane to gain efficiency, comfort, and reduced maintenance. The benefits of switching to a propane furnace are practically endless. Some homeowners make the switch because their furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, others are switching just to reduce their costs of energy or even to reduce their carbon footprint. But how exactly is this possible? Read on and you will understand why customers are making the switch.
Due to the current economic state in our country, many of us are feeling our household budgets expand, with prices on the rise for everything from milk to real estate. The trick to saving long term is to look into at your appliances, which can have a huge impact on your energy bills. For example, switching from an oil to propane furnace can mean significant savings for your family.
We make converting from oil to propane simple
Homeowners may be hesitant to switch as it may sound complex, switching to a propane furnace is easier than you think! At Total Fuel Service we intend to make switching appliances from oil to propane a breeze. The first step to take is scheduling a visit with Total Fuel Service to review your heating system and determine what furnace will match your needs.
After signing off on an estimate, we will install a new energy-efficient furnace that works with your existing ductwork and electrical system. Gas lines can be connected to any appliance in your home that runs on propane, for example your water heater, cook-top, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.
Keep in mind that updating or retrofitting your existing oil furnace isn’t recommended for a few reasons. First is financial — in order to meet the requirements of most insurance companies, you would need to spend thousands on the oil-furnace plus hundreds on annual maintenance. It’s a smarter investment to spend a bit more for a new, high efficiency propane system rather than spending a significant amount on old equipment. Second is environmental— appliances that run on propane deliver more efficient heating. If you choose a high-efficiency propane furnace, you can achieve between 93 to 97% efficiency, while older furnaces preform at 60 to 80% efficiency. This proves that a propane furnace provides more heat in your home for the same amount of power.
Save long-term on utility bills and maintenance
Propane heating is inexpensive when compared to the price of other fuel sources. Cost of propane may very depending on where you live, but with Total Fuel Service, your pricing margin never changes so you always know what to expect to pay for propane. You can also maximize your utility-bill savings by choosing a high-efficiency model. Because propane is more efficient than oil, you’re looking at 30 to 40% savings on fuel.
Clean-burning propane furnaces require substantially less maintenance annually than oil furnace because there is no accumulation of soot or carbon inside of a propane furnace. You can expect to pay about half the maintenance costs of an oil furnace, which requires more cleaning and changing the nozzle, filter and air filter each year.
Propane is safer for the environment and your family
With rising concerns about the environment, it’s important to do every small thing we can to make a difference. Propane is a cleaner fuel source that produces fewer emissions than oil. Specifically, propane’s greenhouse gas emissions are 38% lower than heating oil.
Another environmental consideration is the potential for oil spills. The impact of a home heating oil spill can be devastating on nature, seeping into the soil and causing damage that can require extensive soil remediation. With propane, you can eliminate this risk. A propane spill is very rare, but if it does happen the propane is released into the air and dissipates harmlessly.
The indoor air quality in your home is also improved with propane. Whether you have space heating, forced air heat or a boiler, heating with propane creates a healthier indoor environment and more comfortable heat.
You can power more with propane
If you’re using oil, you’re probably just using it for heating and hot water. But by switching to propane, you can power your heating, hot water, fireplace, stove, dryer, barbecue and emergency generator, as well as outdoor living appliances like a firepit or patio heater. This means fewer bills and one provider to deal with.
Thanks to convenient programs from Total Fuel Service, you never have to worry about running out of fuel! Our residential no-run-out guarantee and tank wireless monitoring sensors notify us when it’s time for a refill.