Oil vs. Propane: Why It's Time to Make the Switch

Switch from home heating oil to Superior Propane for substantial savings, enhanced convenience, and a smaller carbon footprint. Explore the oil to propane conversion process and discover the benefits of a propane furnace vs an oil furnace. Propane vs oil - learn why propane is the smart choice for home heating.

propane furnace thermostat

Navigating home heating solutions can bring us to a crossroads: oil or propane. While both have served households well in the past, propane becomes the clear choice when evaluating cost, convenience, and environmental friendliness.

 

Oil or Propane? The Basics of Propane and Oil Heat

Home heating oil, used in an oil furnace, has been a conventional choice for many households. While it does provide effective heat, it comes with high market price volatility, substantial maintenance requirements, and potential environmental risks.

On the other hand, propane, stored securely in a tank and used when needed, presents a more cost-effective, convenient, and efficient alternative. With a consistent and often lower cost than home heating oil, less demanding maintenance needs, and superior system performance, propane offers more than just heating—it provides peace of mind. And as a bonus, it's also a cleaner-burning fuel that's better for the environment. 

FACTOR

PROPANE

OIL

Fuel Cost

Propane heating can reduce fuel costs significantly compared to oil heating

Historically, the prices of heating oil tend to be higher and more unstable

Safety & Risk Management

In the event of a release, propane dissipates without risk of spills and contamination

Oil spills and leaks can be environmentally damaging and costly to clean up

Emissions

Propane emits fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to a healthier environment

Oil produces more carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to air pollution

Equipment Performance

Propane burns clean, extending the lifespan of your heating equipment and reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

Oil-fueled systems can be prone to buildup, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance

Availability & Storage

Propane is readily available and our automatic delivery ensures you never run out. Plus, it doesn't degrade over time making it safe for long-term storage

Oils can degrade over time, affecting the performance of your heating equipment

Home Insurance Premiums Converting from oil to propane may lead to savings on your home insurance premiums Oil heat can potentially lead to higher home insurance premiums due to potential risks of spills and contamination
 Carbon Tax Savings By switching to propane, you can save on carbon taxes as it's a lower-emission fuel With oil, you're likely to pay higher carbon taxes due to its higher emissions
 Convenience With Superior's automatic delivery and online access to your propane account with mySUPERIOR™, managing your propane is effortless With oil, you'll need to constantly monitor your levels and place orders, adding another task to your to-do list

Savings of Oil to Propane Conversion

If you’re thinking about making the oil to propane switch, it’s likely that cost is one of the most important factors when choosing between these home heating fuels. With the fluctuating costs of home heating oil, propane stands as a significantly more cost-effective option, keeping your utility bills manageable. With our different pricing plans, you can control your budget and sign up for a plan that works best for your budget. Besides, we have promotions and deals that will make the switch much easier.

 

Propane Price Plans:

With our Fixed Price Plan, you can lock in your propane price for a full year or regardless of propane price fluctuations, protecting you from any sudden price changes for the duration of your plan, similar to a fixed mortgage. You have the peace of mind of knowing what your propane costs will be every time you receive a delivery during the plan’s 12-month term.

Price plans are similar to mortgage rates, with fixed and variable pricing. A fixed price offers stability and predictability, and can assist with budget planning. A variable rate can take advantage of favourable market conditions, which has the potential to save you money over the course of the year. The choice is yours when it comes to the plan that meets your needs.

Equal Payment Plan (EPP):

The EPP allows you to pay the same amount on a monthly basis, spreading your costs evenly throughout the year, regardless of propane price fluctuations, helping you budget your propane needs easier with a predictable monthly bill.

If you use more or less propane throughout the year, the payment amount will be adjusted twice each year to reflect your actual consumption. This option can make household budgeting easier

 

With the increase of carbon taxes on heating fuels, propane is an increasingly appealing option. It's lighter on both the environment and your wallet. Plus, let's not forget about the potential savings on your home insurance premiums with the removal of an oil tank.

 

woman enjoys propane furnace heat

 

The Ease of Switching from Oil to Propane with Superior

Converting from oil to propane is easier than you might think. At Superior Propane, we have a dedicated team ensuring a seamless conversion process. From evaluation to installation, we're there to make sure the transition is smooth, with minimal disruption to your everyday routine. You can learn more on how the transition process looks like on our Switch from Oil to Propane Furnace page.

When it comes to propane delivery and storage, convenience is one of our top priorities. Our advanced delivery solutions like Automatic Delivery mean you never have to worry about running out of fuel. Learn more about deliveries in this article. Plus, with the mySUPERIOR app or web portal, you’ll have instant access to tank monitoring, bill payments, and more, all at your fingertips. 

Now, let's talk about maintenance. An oil furnace can demand your time and attention with its complex upkeep needs. A propane furnace on the other hand can require less maintenance. Regular checks that are performed every time you get a propane delivery and minor upkeep are all that’s needed to keep running smoothly. And that means more time for you to relax and enjoy the comfort of your home.

 

technician servicing propane furnace

 

Oil Furnace vs Propane Furnace: The Clear Winner

Oil furnaces may have a long history, but propane furnaces have found their way in today’s homes. Delivering more heat per unit, offering a longer lifespan, and producing fewer emissions than oil furnaces, propane is the smart choice for homeowners. Let's dive deeper into the differences.

 

Operation, Efficiency, and Maintenance

While oil furnaces can effectively heat your home, propane furnaces take the lead in terms of operation and efficiency. Propane furnaces generate more heat per unit of fuel. This translates into a cozier home, quicker heating, and, in the long run, reduced fuel costs.

In terms of maintenance, oil furnaces require regular upkeep, including cleaning and the potential replacement of the heat exchanger due to the corrosive nature of oil combustion. Propane furnaces, on the other hand, offer hassle-free, low-maintenance living - yet another reason to consider making the switch.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Switch from Oil to Propane

There are signs that may indicate it's time to make the switch to propane. Here are a few key factors to consider:

 

  • Rising Costs: If you're noticing that your oil heating bills are consistently high, it's worth considering propane as a more cost-effective solution.

  • Environmental Concerns: Propane is a clean-burning fuel, meaning it emits fewer greenhouse gases than home heating oil. If you're looking to reduce your environmental footprint, propane is the clear choice.

  • Safety and Efficiency: Propane furnaces boast a safe operation and are known for their efficiency, heating your home quickly and effectively.

  • Supply Availability: Propane is readily available and easy to store. Our strong supply chain and ability to quickly adapt to changing demand enables us to consistently deliver propane, in good or in bad times. Our tank sensor technology enables us to remotely monitor propane tank levels, prioritize critical deliveries, and ensure reliable service even during unforeseen weather or critical transportation disruptions.

If you're feeling the pinch of escalating oil heating costs, or you're troubled by environmental concerns, or issues with your oil furnace's safety and efficiency, it's the perfect time to upgrade to propane.

 

Making the Conversion: Steps to Transition from Oil to Propane

The transition process from oil to propane involves a few steps, from an initial evaluation of your current system to the final installation of your new propane tank and furnace. With our expert team at Superior Propane, this process is straightforward and hassle-free, leading you towards a more efficient and cost-effective home heating solution.

 

  • Initial Evaluation: A Superior Propane Certified Partner will assess your home and existing heating system to determine your needs.

  • Proposal and Agreement: We provide a detailed proposal covering all conversion costs and potential savings.

  • Oil Tank Removal: Our partner safely and efficiently removes your oil tank, adhering to strict environmental standards. They will do any inside-the-wall work required, with the exception of the propane tank install which is done with our Superior Propane certified technicians.

  • Installation of Propane Furnace and Tank: Once your furnace or boiler is in place, a propane tank is installed. Gas lines are run by our certified partners to any appliance that will run on propane, like your water heater, range, dishwasher, or washer and dryer. The connection is inspected and your furnace and appliances are ready for use. There's no need for you to arrange the delivery of your first tank fill, our partner arranges it for you.

  • Propane Delivery and Ongoing Support: Our Automatic Delivery service and mySUPERIOR platform ensure you never run out of propane. Plus, you have 24/7 access to our customer support team.

 

From the cost savings and improved efficiency to the environmental benefits and overall convenience, propane offers an appealing alternative that's well suited to the demands of modern living for all your energy needs.

 

Embracing propane isn't just about choosing a different fuel - it's about selecting a comprehensive service that prioritizes your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. At Superior Propane, we don't just provide propane; we offer a full suite of services designed to make your transition seamless, with safety and convenience our top priorities.

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