 Heating Oil FAQs
- Q: How energy efficient is it to heat my home with oil?
- Very! The average oil heat system consumes less fuel than gas, and oil burners produce the most efficient
flame when compared to gas systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, oil heat systems are 16% more efficient
than gas heat systems and 30% more efficient than electric heating systems.
- Q: Doesn't oil pollute the environment?
- No, a new oil heat system with a properly serviced burner generates less carbon monoxide than piped
gas and does not contribute significantly to air pollution. One BTU of gas releases more pollutants into the atmosphere
than does one BTU of oil. In fact, home heating oil burns so cleanly that it is not subject to any clean air
requirements.
- Q: Will oil heat keep my home warm enough?
- Absolutely. The oil heat flame quickly burns at 2,200 degrees fahrenheit. This is the reason oil
consumers are much more comfortable in their homes versus those who complain that their electric heat pump does not provide
the comfortable warmth of oil during those cold days of winter.
- Q: Is oil safe?
- Unlike gaseous fuels, heating oil will not support a flame unless the temperature is above 140
degrees fahrenheit. Even at those temperatures, there is not enough fuel vapor to cause an explosion.
- Q: Is it more expensive to heat with oil than with gas or electric?
- As it so happens, heating with oil is your best buy: oil consumers receive up to 30% more for
their heating dollar than do those who heat with natural gas or electricity. In fact, when measured in constant dollars,
heating oil prices have actually dropped while natural gas prices have significantly risen due to pipeline and utility
expenses.
- Q: Why have oil prices been so high lately?
- There are several reasons for the increase in oil prices in recent years. The unusually warm
winters we have experienced over the past few years, followed by the sudden cold snap this winter have caused oil
supplies to deplete unexpectedly. However, analysts predict that these high prices will soon return to normal as weather
conditions return to normal, and we are already beginning to see prices drop. For answers to more of your pricing
questions, please see our Guide to Heating Oil Prices page.
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