How can I determine if it's worhwhile to change my heating system from Heating Oil to Propane?

Question

When I talk to my propane dealer he tells me it'll save lots of money. When I talk to my oil man he tells me it's not worth the cost. What do I need to know to get to the bottom of this? There has to be some way to compare apples to oranges. FWIW I'm in New England.

Answer 1

Natural gas would be your best bet, but may not be available for you. Propane will be less expensive in the long run,  but not to change just for the sake of change. If your system fails, and you need a new furnace, then you should decide to make the change. Until then, you are better off with what you have. Don't spend money on replacement until you have to.

Answer 2

apples to oranges-

this is a break down of the btu's

oil= 141,00 btu

propane= 91,500 btu

natural gas- 90,000 btu

these are the facts and as to figure out your prices oil is high but if you take the price per gallon of heating oil verse gas you will see you are burning at a higher btu for oil. this is your cost facter. any good dealer should give you your breakdown of actual dollar amounts of your gallon. i am a h.v.a.c tech in ny and our oil price is 4.63 per gallon of heating oil and 2.89 per gallon of l.p.  now do your conversion of the btu and the price is close. alot of people look at the price difference between the two but dont understand one burns hotter than the other. as for switching your units to oil from gas or gas to oil the only difference is the furnace. yes if its oil and you go to gas a gas line will have to be done but most places will love to have your business and generally will run the line for you for under a 100 dollars. a furnace design with exception of the type of fuel it burns is about the same and a "slip" under furnace is not a big deal. it is just swapping one out for the other and the metal work is connected the same. right now prices are very compettive so please shop around. talk to friends. look for recommendations. the rising fuel prices are hurting everyone and that is why alternative heating is a top right now. i just purchased a pellet stove myself to try and offset costs.  goodluck to you

Answer 3

Oil is the most expensive and prices will continue to rise.

Propane is slightly less expensive but needs a delivery for refills and will also increase in cost.

Natural gas is cheapest and is piped in, It will also increase in cost.

Other options include electric, Geothermal or a combination.

Answer 4

The propane dealer is lying, the cost's for both are nearly level with eachother. Propane burners tend to last longer with fewer repairs though.

Answer 5

I am having the same problem, only trying to figure out if I should switch from oil to natural gas.  It is extremely expensive to do as I just had the plumber come in to give me an estimate.  I don't know how big your house is, but it will probably cost you at the very least 8-10 thousand dollars and you have no guarantee that the costs won't change.  After hearing that I decided to stay with my oil and just try to cut corners where I can by insulating and using a programmable thermostat, making sure there are no drafts and cutting down on my heat and wearing sweaters and socks in the winter.  Good luck.

Answer 6

Propane and heating oil are both petroleum products.  You will have to check with a couple of HVAC people to see what's required to change your furnace to run on propane.  There are at least some valve changes, and probably some piping changes as well.  Then you'll have to figure the price of getting set up with a propane company.  Here in Ohio you sign up with a company and they lease you their tank for free. That means you can't change companies when you choose to without getting a whole new tank.   I don't know if it's the same everywhere.

I've had oil before and I now have propane.  The price for both are going through the roof.  I don't think one is any cleaner or safer or cheaper than the other.  You'd probably do better working on your fuel consumption, as in improved insulation, sealing leaks, etc.  We can all save money doing that kind of thing.