A furnace is a heating system which heats air or water to produce heat and warm homes. It is typically fired by wood, gas or oil. When it comes to your homes, which is better to use, an oil or a gas furnace?

To help you decide which one is better for your home, here are a few details about each of them.

Oil Furnace

Using oil for fuel source has a lot of benefits. An oil furnace is said to be much cheaper than a gas furnace. Oil is more abundant than gas, which is a non-renewable energy source.

Using oil is also a more environment-friendly option. A properly maintained oil furnace produces almost zero emission and burns cleanly. Also, heating oil is safer and less likely to result to accidents. If ever you need to have your oil furnace repaired, there are also a lot of service options from your oil heating oil providers.

Inasmuch as there are benefits to using oil furnaces, there are also disadvantages you need to consider. Oil furnaces need to be maintained and cleaned regularly. They are more likely to encounter problems that would need costly repairs. Moreover, even if oil is less expensive than gas, it consumes more electricity.

Gas Furnace

Although a gas burner is generally more expensive than an oil burner, it is more efficient in burning heat. If you live in an area where gas is readily available, then a gas furnace will certainly save you more money. It also gives you a more satisfying result by providing a more evenly distributed heat in your home.

Plus, it operates more quietly than an oil furnace. To save you even more money, a gas furnace does not need regular maintenance because it is less likely to break down than an oil furnace. Lastly, using natural gas is also an eco-friendly option because it produces less waste products.

However, natural gas is not available in some areas, making it a less likely option for some homes. Although more efficient in the long run, gas furnaces are initially more expensive than oil furnaces. Taking safety into consideration, using gas furnaces also prove to be more dangerous because they are prone to leaks and explosions.

Have you decided between oil furnace and gas furnace?

Think of your priorities and consider them when deciding whether you want an oil or a gas furnace. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option when choosing the right furnace for your home.

Written by APM Construction Services, a construction and home maintenance company that is the best choice for heating and cooling in Columbia, MO.