When shopping for a furnace for your home, it pays to have adequate information about the various types available in the market. Gas and oil furnaces are some of the most common furnace type found in the market today.
Oil and gas furnaces are similar in some ways. For example, both need fuel to run. Also, they both produce hazardous byproducts. Therefore, furnace installation is need to be done by a professional to ensure that your family is safe. The two types of furnaces, however, have their differences which make the selection process easier. Here are some differences, between gas and oil furnaces, to help you in making a choice.
Fuel
Gas furnaces utilize the liquefied natural gas to produce heat. The natural gas is combusted in order to produce heat. On the other hand, oil furnaces utilize fuel oil. This oil has to mix with air, and combust, for it to produce heat. Gas furnaces are a reliable source of heat, so long as you have paid your natural gas bills. As for the fuel oil furnaces, you have to keep checking the fuel level in the tank and refill once exhausted. Otherwise, the furnace will not run.
Cost
When shopping furnaces, you will find that gas furnaces are expensive in comparison to their oil counterparts. However, the case is difference for running costs. Gas fuel costs a lot less than oil. Therefore, the cost of running oil furnaces is really high.
Heat Production vs. Efficiency
Gas furnaces are considered to be highly efficient while oil has a higher heat production. In fact, of all furnace types, oil furnaces are considered to have the highest British Thermal Units (BTUs). On the other hand, gas furnaces have a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This means that a higher percentage of gas is used in the production of heat while a very little percentage is lost.
Safety
Oil furnaces are considered to be safer than gas furnaces. This is because gas is highly flammable, and, once it leaks and is combusted, it could lead to explosions and other fire accidents. However, this is not to mean that oil furnaces cannot be a safety risk. Once, you notice a leak in your fuel oil, ensure that it is cleaned immediately. And, if you own a gas furnace, ensure regular checks are made to detect any gas leaks early.
Bottom Line
Both types of furnaces have got their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you will find that gas furnaces are more suitable, with a certain criterion considered, but a total flop in the next criterion. Whatever choice is taken, it is important to have a furnace repair expert conduct preventative maintenance, enhancing the safety of your family.
Thank you for clarifying that gas furnaces, while expensive upfront, are cheaper to operate in the long run. I’m the type of person to buy appliances that are better investments and that can make up for their price the longer you use them, so this clarification really helped me figure out what I should go for. Once I find an HVAC contractor in the area, I’ll definitely opt to hire them for some gas furnace installations.