What are the advantages of oil versus natural gas heat?

Answer by  TechMan (18)

Heating oil equipment is more efficient than natural gas. Natural gas is primarily made of methane. Propane can be used in gas burners. Natural gas boilers require less maintenance than oil burners, but a gas leak can be catastrophic.

Answer by  shwetha (17)

Heating oil equipment is more efficient than natural gas. It has an energy content of 139kBTU (kilo British Thermal Units) per gallon. Natural gas has an energy content of 100kBTU. Natural gas is primarily made of methane. Propane can be used in gas burners. Natural gas boilers require less maintenance than oil burners, but a gas leak can be catastrophic.

Answer by  KaraTeaster (13)

Oil is dirtier than natural gas. Many companies won't offer oil at a good price due to liability issues. Oil has a high concentration of sulfer. To heat with oil requires much more maintenence than to heat with natural gas. An advantage of heating with oil is that there are generally more companies to price compare with than natural gas.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

Usually natural gas is cheaper per gallon than oil. But in my experience natural gas heat burns faster so you end up spending more money.

Answer by  montree (354)

Heating oil appliances are better than natural gas appliances but people prefer natural gas because it is way cheaper. Natural gas burners require less maintenance than oil burners.

Answer by  joantheresa (1421)

Natural gas is a much cleaner burning source than oil. It is also cheaper than oil, and has higher heat BTU than oil. Definitely go with natural gas.

Answer by  olive49 (424)

Oil heat provides a very comfortable, even heat. However, an oil furnace requires additional maintenance and is more expensive than natural gas.

Answer by  joantheresa (1421)

Natural is a cleaner burning fuel and you get more heat per BTU. Also, right now, natural gas is cheaper than oil. And it usually is.