Gas vs Oil Furnaces: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right heating system is an important decision for any Ohio homeowner — especially with the brutal winter weather approaching. Two common options in the area are gas and oil furnaces, each of which offers its own benefits and potential drawbacks to consider.

In this blog post, the heating experts at Rick’s Heating & Cooling explore the differences between oil vs gas heat and how to decide which is best for your Ohio home.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces function by using natural gas or propane as a fuel source, burning the fuel inside a heat exchanger, which warms the air that gets circulated throughout your home via a blower fan. These systems are typically connected to a central HVAC system that distributes the heated air via a series of ductwork.

Benefits of a Gas Furnace

• Energy efficiency: Gas furnaces are known for their high energy efficiency rating, often boasting up to 98% efficiency.
• Low costs: Natural gas tends to be less expensive than heating oil, resulting in lower monthly heating bills.
• Environmentally friendly: Burning natural gas releases fewer greenhouse gases compared to oil.
• Enhanced convenience: Gas furnaces offer consistent heating without the need to refuel or maintain fuel storage.

Cons of a Gas Furnace

• Gas access: Homes without access to natural gas lines may find gas furnaces less practical and more costly to install.
• Upfront investment: Gas furnaces often have a higher initial installation cost compared to oil furnaces.
• Safety concerns: Although rare, gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions can pose safety risks if not properly managed.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces use heating oil as their fuel source, igniting the oil in a combustion chamber and creating hot gases that pass through a heat exchange to warm the air. This heated air is then circulated throughout your home. Oil furnaces require a fuel storage tank on the property, as heating oil must be delivered.

Benefits of an Oil Furnace

• Heat output: Oil furnaces have a higher BTU output per gallon than gas, resulting in faster and more intense heat, perfect for the Ohio cold.
• Fuel availability: Heating oil is widely available, even in rural areas where natural gas lines may not reach.
• Longer lifespan: Compared to gas furnaces, oil furnaces last much longer with proper maintenance.
• Utility independence: Having a storage tank on your property allows you to be independent from utility providers and fluctuating natural gas prices.

Cons of an Oil Furnace

• Fuel costs: Heating oil prices can be volatile and are generally higher than natural gas prices.
• Storage requirements: Oil furnaces require a storage tank on your property, which takes up space and requires periodic refilling.
• Environmental impact: Burning oil releases more greenhouse gases, making it less environmentally friendly.

Which Furnace Is Better for Your Ohio Home?

When deciding between a gas or oil furnace, several factors should be considered:

• Location: If your Ohio home is located in a region with access to natural gas lines, a gas furnace may be the better choice. In rural areas, where gas lines may be unavailable, an oil furnace could be the more viable option.
• Size and age of home: Older homes often lack the infrastructure for natural gas and may already have an oil storage tank, making oil furnaces more practical. Larger homes might benefit from the high heat output of oil furnaces, while smaller homes can efficiently be heated with gas.
• Fuel access: Homes with easy access to heating oil suppliers or onsite fuel tanks might find an oil furnace advantageous. However, homes in urban or suburban areas with consistent access to natural gas often benefit from the reliability and lower costs of gas furnaces.

Choose Rick’s Heating & Cooling for Furnace Installation

Whether you’re leaning toward a gas or oil furnace, having a reliable team to ensure proper installation is essential. Rick’s Heating & Cooling is committed to helping Ohio homeowners select and install the best heating system for their individual needs. With nearly 40 years of local service experience and an unsurpassed commitment to customer care, you can count on us to deliver the superior comfort solutions your home deserves.

Book furnace installation in Morrow, OH, by contacting our team online to schedule your appointment.