Which Is The Best Furnace: Gas Or Oil?

With low temperatures often falling below freezing in January, home heating is very important in the Angola, Fort Wayne, Decatur and Indianapolis areas. Homeowners in Northern Indiana have choices when selecting which type of furnace is best for them, whether gas-fired or oil. Let’s look at some characteristics of and facts about each that may help with your decision.

When considering the type of furnace you want, the available fuel must be the first priority. According to 2019 data, the greatest use of natural gas for home heating occurs in the Midwest, with about 60% of homes utilizing this fuel source. Conversely, only about 1% of  homes use oil for heating. So, gas or oil is a viable choice if you live in the greater Indianapolis area. 

Let The Experts At Masters Heating & Cooling Show You Which Choice Works Best For Your Home

Advantages & Disadvantages Of A Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are probably the top choice for efficiency and the overall even feeling of warmth throughout the home. Natural gas usually has the lowest purchase cost, but due to their complexity, gas furnace installations tend to be more expensive upfront. Liquid propane gas is also a possible fuel source but is typically more expensive than natural gas. 

Gas furnaces are often used in dual heating applications where a heat pump provides the primary heat until temperatures fall at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At the lower temperatures, the gas furnace takes over to heat the home. Heat pumps can also cool during the warmer months, making the dual system a popular choice among homeowners.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of An Oil Furnace

While not at the top of the list , oil furnaces are used for heating many homes in the Midwest. Oil furnaces tend to have lower installation costs but require a separate tank to store fuel oil to power the unit. Home heating oil is also more expensive to purchase than natural and even liquid propane gas. 

Dual systems may also utilize an oil furnace if natural gas isn’t available and the homeowner doesn’t want to use liquid propane. Gas is a cleaner fuel, but the oil furnace generally produces more BTUs output of heat. 

Gas Or Oil Furnaces Require Regular Maintenance For Optimum Performance

For more comprehensive information about either a gas or oil furnace, call the furnace experts at Masters Heating & Cooling today .  

Masters goes the distance to make sure you are completely satisfied, every time! Allow one of our trained Comfort Specialists to assess your home and provide options that fit your needs and budget.