Informed homeowners always make the best choices when it comes to keeping their home comfortable, reliable, and functional. So when you’re trying to determine the best heating fuel source to keep your home running through the long winter ahead, it’s important to have all the facts. That’s why we've assembled this guide to the major benefits and drawbacks of all the major heating fuel types on the market today. Review them all and decide which style heating furnace installation would be best for your home’s unique needs and constraints.
Natural Gas Furnace Installations
Low cost of operation, high cost of installation
Faster, more precise heating
Reliable for up to 20 years with proper servicing
Environmentally friendly heating
Highly reliable fuel source, most popular today
Electric Furnace Installations
Quiet and highly durable
Low cost of installation, high cost of operation
Easy installation and maintenance
Safest fuel option for homeowners
Reliable for up to 30 years with proper servicing
Oil Furnace Installations
Fastest heating of all options, consumed slower as well
More safe than natural gas and propane
Requires regular servicing to stay clean, efficient, and reliable
Cost of install and operation comparable to propane (more affordable than electric)
Reliable for up to 25 years with proper servicing
Propane Furnace Installations
Environmentally friendly heating
Reliable for up to 20 years with proper servicing
Cost of install and operation comparable to oil (more costly than gas)
Safe for homeowners though repairs need immediate attention
Highly versatile fuel for homes
As you can see, each furnace installation has it’s high and low points and within each of these categories are many different versions of the broad fuel option mentioned above! With so many options the vast majority of homeowners around the country elect to have natural gas furnace installations performed (with oil furnaces most commonly installed in the areas of the country where natural gas is unavailable) simply because of the familiarity of the fuel source and it’s prevalence with homeowners.
However, depending on everything from your home’s particular heating needs and budget, to your willingness to have professional furnace repairs and maintenance performed, you may find that another fuel source is more suitable for your home. In whatever case, it’s important to remember that certain maintenance costs will always be involved in keeping your home comfortable and safe through the years.
