The Basics
Before we delve into the specifics, certain conditions must be set before you begin to decide on gas or oil heat.
First, check with your utility company if your street has gas lines installed. On Long Island, that would be National Grid.
Availability can be summarized below:
Oil Heat: Oil heat is more common in certain regions of New York where the natural gas infrastructure may not be able to accommodate gas lines.
Gas Heat: Natural gas is more often available in urban and suburban areas. If your home is already connected to a natural gas line, choosing a gas heating system may be more convenient and cost-effective.
Additionally, you might want to contact PSEGLI to discuss your options.
Secondly, you should include the costs of gas appliances if you don’t already have them installed and if this cost will balance out with your overall financial projections.
The Costs
Oil Heat: Historically, oil prices have been known to be more volatile than natural gas prices. Similar to the stock market, the cost of heating oil is dependent upon and will fluctuate from global oil markets, geopolitical factors, and supply and demand factors.
Gas Heat: Natural gas prices tend to be more stable and can be less expensive than heating oil. However, the cost-effectiveness depends on local gas prices and the heating system’s efficiency.
Efficiency
Oil Heat: Modern oil heating systems have advanced technology that helps improve fuel efficiency and subsequently the costs. However, you should keep your system regularly maintained so that efficiency is not lost.
There are two ways you can do this.
- You can contract with an oil heating utility and they will automatically deliver you oil when needed so that your tank is always full. Most contracts, which usually run yearly, have periodic maintenance incorporated into the agreement.
- You can purchase oil when you need it via cash on delivery (COD). The costs are usually lower per gallon than if you have contracted with a utility, which can result in substantial savings, but the responsibility relies on you to keep the heating system properly maintained. These costs can run around $125 and $200 for periodic upkeep in the Long Island area.
Gas Heat: Gas heating systems, particularly newer models, are generally known for their efficiency. High-efficiency gas furnaces and boilers can provide effective heating while minimizing energy consumption.
Installation Costs
Oil: The initial installation costs for an oil heating system can be higher than those for gas systems. This is partly because oil tanks and delivery systems need to be installed on the property, whereas gas heating systems only require the utility company to run lines to your home.
The photo on the left is an oil furnace in a ranch in Lynbrook. This is the original heating system that is still active and running smoothly since 1959. Plumbing and heating experts have stated that these particular heating systems can last for decades. Periodic maintenance has been performed and accessory items associated with the system had to be replaced at different times throughout the years, but the furnace itself is still active and running smoothly.
Gas: If your home is already connected to a gas line, the installation costs for this type of heating system may be lower. However, if the gas infrastructure is not in place, the costs of connecting to the gas line can be significant and ultimately, can be cost prohibitive.
Environmental Impact
With climate change conditions deteriorating, many people are conscious of how they can participate in helping to slow down global warming. With that in mind, here are some points to consider.
Oil: Burning heating oil produces carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to environmental concerns. However, advancements in oil burner technology have led to cleaner and more efficient combustion.
Gas: Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to heating oil. It produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants. However, methane leaks during extraction and transportation are environmental concerns associated with natural gas.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons regarding the types of heating systems you can have in your house and we hope that this summary can help as a start to understanding what is involved; however, the bottom line is that we recommend you consult with heating professionals and consider your long-term costs and benefits when making your final decision.
Patricia Scanlon is a traffic ticket attorney who services clientele in Long Island, NYC, and throughout NYS.