Is your old furnace going bad? Or maybe you’re building a new home and you need to install a new heating system. Whatever your reason for shopping for a new furnace, it’s important to research your options. For many homeowners, the choice comes down to a gas or an oil heater. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each and how to pick the best one for your Three Rivers, Texas, home.
Oil Heater
An oil heater tends to be more powerful than a gas heater, providing more heat per BTU. Its ability to provide more heat, however, results in a higher price tag when it comes to heating expenses. Price fluctuations for oil mean you’ll never know what price you’ll have to pay.
You don’t need a direct connection to an oil line to use an oil heater. But you’ll need a storage tank on your property. You’ll also want to remember that oil furnaces generally require more maintenance than gas heaters.
Gas Heater
Gas heaters often come with a higher upfront installation cost than oil heaters. However, gas heat is more affordable and has more stable pricing. Therefore, choosing a gas heater can save you over the long term. Gas heaters also require less maintenance than oil heaters, but you’ll need a direct connection to a gas line to get started. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, gas heat may not be unavailable.
Choosing Between Gas and Oil Heat
No matter the furnace type you choose, it’s important to schedule preventive maintenance. Doing so will help improve heating efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. An HVAC contractor can assess your home and needs to determine whether a gas or oil furnace is the best option.
Bodine-Scott specializes in a variety of furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services. Call us at (361) 883-9900 today to learn more about gas and oil heaters.
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