Here are just a few things to consider before purchasing a new home heating system. Buying the wrong type of furnace could end up costing you a whole lot of money. So do your homework, research every type of furnace available in your area. Ask friends what they have and are they happy. Check the cost of fuel in your town. Call several dealers and pick their brains for suggestions, but remember to call different companies as each may be slanted to the types of furnaces their company provides.
Oil vs. Gas Furnaces
- Oil furnaces
Pros
- If you live in a very rural area this may be the only type of fuel available in which case it’s your best and only option*. But don’t despair oil furnaces have come a long way in their efficiency and today rival natural gas in this department.
- Oil is less volatile than gas and therefore slightly safer.
Cons
- Oil furnaces are slightly larger and slightly dirtier than their gas counterparts. Although in modern furnaces this disadvantage is extremely slight.
- Oil must be stored in or around your house. Oil is stored in large 500 gallon tanks. These tanks if stored inside your home take up a lot of room. If they are outside there is a slight chance the oil could freeze up and your furnace may go out. Also some localities may still allow you to bury your tank in the ground, and leaky tanks can be very costly to clean up.
- If not monitored your oil tanks could run out of oil.
2. Gas Furnaces
Pros
- Gas furnaces have always had an advantage over oil furnaces in fuel efficiency, although today this advantage may be very slight.
- Gas furnaces are smaller than oil furnaces especially if you take fuel storage into account.
- Gas prices have historically been cheaper than oil. Check current prices as this may no longer be the case.
Cons
- Gas may not be available in your area, also don’t assume that since your neighbor has gas service you can get it at your house.
- Natural gas is very volatile and although accidents are rare they are still possible.
Forced Air vs. Boilers
- Forced Air
Pros
- The biggest advantage forced air systems have over boilers is that the ductwork used to deliver heat, can also be used to add central air conditioning to your home. If you are building a home you should consider this even if you choose not to put central air in at this time.
- Forced air brings the temperature up in a house very quickly.
- Air systems can accommodate humidification units. Making a home more comfortable in the winter.
Cons
- Forced air systems cost more to install. Adding ductwork means higher labor costs.
2. Boilers
Pros
- Construction costs may be slightly lower. Materials may cost about the same but installation should be easier and cost slightly less.
- Radiant heat stays in the plumbing in each room, this helps keep a room warmer longer.
Cons
- Pipes in improperly insulated exterior walls may freeze and burst causing hundreds to thousands of dollars’ worth of water damage.
- Improperly installed radiant flooring may leak or burst causing damage.
- Striking plumbing running inside walls may puncture them again leading to water damage.
* Propane maybe another option but the cost of fuel has always made this a less than desirable option. Propane costs may have changed so check fuel costs if this is a option you are considering.