By Chris Buchanan • September 7, 2018

The Benefits of Oil vs Natural Gas

Whether you are building a new home and are trying to decide between oil and natural gas, or are looking to switch - there are quite a few benefits of heating oil to keep in mind.

Which Is Cheapest?

This is kind of a trick question because while natural gas may be sometimes be cheaper to use, it is much higher in initial cost and it can take years to recoup what you are saving. For example, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
The average consumer pays more in a year for oil than gas. However, many people consider switching out a fully functioning oil furnace to gas, just to save money on their yearly heating costs. When looking at the math, the reality is, it will take longer to make up the extra cost in order to start saving money, than most people live in their house.
Another consideration is the life expectancy of the unit itself. With a lifespan of 11-14 years on a natural gas water heater compared to 30+ years on an oil heat appliance, the numbers show a huge difference for your initial investment.

What About Clean Fuel?

Heating oil is actually a clean fuel and a renewable resource. In today's technology, the emissions with oil production are almost zero and if you look at the latest technology in oil systems known as "reburn" fuel, then the emissions are even lower.
However, when it comes to natural gas, according to the American Energy Coalition:
With a methane content of 95%, natural gas system losses account for 18% of total global methane emissions, a powerful contributor to global warming and climate change.
But with a heating oil system, the oil burns cleanly when the system is maintained properly.
There is even a study done in 2004 that stated how natural gas used for heating is more damaging to the environment than oil heating. This was featured in Oil and Energy Online. 

Which Is the Safest?

Another factor to keep in mind is that heating oil is safer than natural gas. Natural gas can leak and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and it is explosive. With heating oil, it takes a temperature of at least 140 degrees to ignite and you have warnings that there is a problem beforehand such as soot, odors, or smoke.

What About Convenience?

If you are looking for the most convenient option, heating oil is for you. For one thing, the hot water recovery rate is the best. You will find that it is twice as fast as a water heater powered by natural gas and if you are comparing it to an electric water heater, it is three times as fast.

We Help You Find Low-Cost Heating Oil

Like many utilities, heating oil prices fluctuate, even though they are the cheapest option. Of course, natural gas prices fluctuate as well! With heating oil, there are more options available to find lower cost options and we can help.
What we do here at Slick is to get you the lowest price available on your heating oil delivery. We combine your order with those of the households near you to save on costs, including delivery fees. 
To get the best prices on your heating oil this year, visit Slick to learn more about how you can save money on every order that you place.