Oil and natural gas powered furnaces are two of the most common types of furnaces available on the market, and hundreds of thousands of homes have them installed. However, heating oil and natural gas are both different types of fuels, and as such have different properties. Thus, oil and natural gas furnaces provide different benefits when compared to each other. Understanding the differences between these two types of furnaces allows you to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces are very powerful, and provide greater heat in the same amount of time when compared to natural gas furnaces. They are also much cheaper when compared to natural gas furnaces, which makes them ideal for those operating under a tight budget. Oil furnaces can last up to twenty years if they are properly maintained, which helps you save money by not having to purchase a replacement furnace.

However, while oil furnaces are powerful, they are not very efficient, which means that they burn through fuel very quickly, driving up long run costs. Depending on where you live, oil can cost more than natural gas, which also drives up long term costs, and mitigates the lower initial cost of oil furnaces. Additionally, since heating oil is a dirty fuel, large amounts of soot builds up over time, which requires constant maintenance and cleaning to maintain the efficiency of the furnace.

Natural Gas Furnaces

Natural gas furnaces, unlike oil furnaces, don't need to have large storage tanks for their fuel – instead, a line is piped directly into your home, which helps you save space. It should also be noted that natural gas tends to cost much less than heating oil, though the actual difference will depend on the area that you're located in. Natural gas furnaces also do not require the same amount of maintenance that oil furnaces need, and run quieter and cleaner overall.

However, natural gas furnaces cost much more upfront than oil furnaces, which can be restrictive for some homeowners. Additionally, natural gas furnaces are not able to heat up as quickly as oil furnaces are, which can be a concern for homeowners who aren't always home and able to adjust the temperature. Additionally, leaks with natural gas tend to be more dangerous than oil, as natural gas is a gas, as opposed to liquid oil, and can fill an entire house. This risk can be mitigated through the purchase of detectors, but this represents an additional expense. For further information or assistance, contact an outlet such as Coral Home Comfort.