Your Oil Heating Questions Answered
You have many ways to heat your home. Some are more efficient and effective than others. With oil, however, you get a great variety of advantages. If you would like to know more about using oil to heat your home, keep reading.
What Type of Oil Is Used as Fuel?
If you choose to heat your home via oil, you typically have two options: kerosene and gas oil. Gas oil is more common for older systems, while kerosene is more the more popular choice for current homeowners because it burns cleaner, is lighter, and is more efficient.
The cost of the oil largely depends on the quality or grade. Heating oil grades one and two are common in homes because of the inexpensive price. The higher the grade, the more quality the oil and, therefore, the more expensive.
What Types of Systems Use Oil?
If you want to use oil to heat your home, you have one of two options: a furnace or a boiler. A furnace is a forced-air heating system. Therefore, the oil or other fuel heats air, which then blows out of the furnace through a series of ducts to heat the home.
In most cases, vents are in each room, which expels the heated air. In most rooms, the vents are on the floor, which allows the heat to naturally rise. The biggest benefit of a forced-air heating system is the effectiveness. These systems will heat your home fast and keep them warm.
You can also use oil with a boiler. Unlike heated air, a boiler uses heated water. Oil or another fuel heats the water, which then transfers throughout the home. Some people with boilers have radiators, but others use radiant flooring. This type of heat is not as effective, but it often makes a more even heat throughout the room.
What Are the Benefits of Oil Over Electric and Gas Systems?
Oil has its benefits, but one of the leading ones is the effectiveness. Oil burns hot, which means it can generate more heat faster to warm your home. This also means you can heat your home without using as much fuel, which can save you money in the long run.
As stated, oil is a cleaner fuel than some others, but it is also not explosive. Gas can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you have an unknown leak. Typically, odor is added to gas, but if you can't smell or don't notice the smell, you could put your family and home in serious risk. Gas is particularly dangerous if you have an open flame, such as a fire in the fireplace.
Another benefit of oil is that the city does not provide it. With gas and electric systems, you have to pay the city a monthly bill. Even if you do not use the furnace that month, you may still pay. With oil, you purchase the oil yourself.
This means that you can stock up when needed, and you will still be able to heat your home if the electricity goes out. Naturally, this also means it is a great option if you live in a rural area. The cost of connecting electricity or gas in rural areas is often expensive, so you can save money with oil.
You have many ways to heat your home, but more and more people have discovered the benefits of oil heating systems. If you would like to know more, or if you are ready to talk to us about changing your heating system, contact us at Biltmore Oil today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
