Whether you just bought a new home and are considering your HVAC options, or you simply are unsatisfied with your current heating fuel source, knowing an overview of the 3 main fuel sources you can use to heat your home is important.

Sure, you know that electricity, natural gas, and oil are your options, but do you know much about them? The cost to install, the average life expectancy, the difference they could make in your energy bill?

Well if not, you’re in the right place. Check out our quick guide to choosing the best fuel source for your home.

Electric

Overview

Electric heat is a fairly common way to heat American homes because electricity is so easy to access for many. The efficiency of electric heat depends on the structure, format, and insulation of the particular house.

Electric energy usually distributes heat through one of two ways: radiant heating (like baseboard heating) or forced-air heating (which uses ducts).

Energy Bill

A common drawback with electric heat is the cost. The price of electricity can fluctuate frequently, so this will directly affect your energy bill if you choose electric heat.

Electric heating systems also do not usually have a function that allows them to turn off on their own, which means if you don’t monitor them properly, your energy bill could spike.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of an electric heating system is about 15-20 years.

The Verdict

Electric heating systems can be great for heating individual rooms and smaller homes, but, depending on electricity prices, can be more expensive to run and are not as environmentally friendly as other systems.

Natural Gas

Overview

Natural gas is by far the most popular fuel source for Americans to heat their homes. More than half of American homes today are heated by gas, mostly because it is a cost effective solution (after the higher cost of installation).

It’s a popular option because, unlike oil, there is no storage involved; the gas flows into your system from the common grid.

Energy Bill

The impact that natural gas will have on your energy bill is the reason it’s so popular. While the system can be more expensive to install, it is significantly cheaper to run. So if you choose natural gas, look forward to a nice energy bill!

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of natural gas options is a drawback. They last for a shorter time than other systems, averaging a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

The Verdict

Gas is popular because there is no need for storage or ordering ahead (you simply flip a switch and it flows to your house!). It’s cheaper to run, but more expensive to install and many believe that there will be a spike in the price of natural gas in the future.

Oil

Overview

Only about 5% of homes use oil for a heat source. The homes that do use it mostly use it because that’s how their homes were built and they haven’t changed it.

A big consideration with oil is that you have to order, store, and manage your own supply. An oil tank will be in your basement, which you have to maintain. No basement in your house? Oil probably isn’t the option for you.

Energy Bill

Oil can be energy efficient but is not environmentally friendly. And depending on gas prices, you could be paying an arm and a leg to heat your home.

Life Expectancy

By far the longest life expectancy of an other system, oil fueled heating systems can last  between 20 and 30 years!

The Verdict

Because it isn’t as popular of a heat source, finding an experienced technician to work on and maintain your system may be difficult.

It’s not considered a “green” option, and can be costly to run. And if you forget to order your oil, you could be in trouble!

Any Questions?

Give us a call at Total Comfort and we’ll help you choose the best fuel source for you!