Reduce Energy Needs Before Switching Fuels
Q. I’m thinking about switching to another heating fuel since my oil tank needs to be replaced. What can you tell me about the cost of different fuels?
A. Home heating costs can vary widely depending on the fuel you use, the efficiency of your heating system and how well your home is insulated. Remember, switching fuels doesn’t decrease your home’s heating demands. It just saves you the difference between the cost of the old heating fuel and the cost of the replacement fuel. That difference could shrink in the future if the cost of various heating fuels goes up or down.
It’s a better idea to lower your demand for energy through insulation and other conservation measures before you make the switch. You’ll reduce the energy your home requires in the first place and hedge against the uncertainty of future increases in fuel costs. Reducing your house’s need for energy should always be your first line of defense against high energy costs.
Since you have to replace your old oil tank, now is a good time to consider your options. If, after taking steps to reduce your demand for fuel, you’re still interested in changing heating fuels, you need to compare fuel costs using a common measure - cost per million BTU. The term “BTU” stands for British thermal unit and serves as a unit of measure for determining heat generated.
The cost of fuel sources is only one of the factors you need to consider before making a decision on a new furnace.
You also need to think about questions such as these: What is the cost of a new furnace? Is there a need to add or alter existing ductwork? Is there a cost to accessing the natural gas line? Would electric heat require a service panel upgrade?
Remember to evaluate purchase price, installation costs and maintenance costs. You may also want to choose one of the more environmentally benign fuel sources. Ultimately, you need make the best decision for your own situation.
If you have questions about the advantages and disadvantages of various heating fuels and systems, call the Washington State Energy Office’s Energy Hotline at (800) 962-9731 or 324-7980 in Spokane.
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