Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Switch From Oil to Propane

With the dropping price of crude oil causing the cost of heating fuels such as oil to decrease, you may be tempted to keep the old oil furnace and tank around for a little bit longer.  But the benefits of switching from oil to propane as a residential heating source surpass just the financial benefits.  Not only are propane prices dropping as well, but there are 3 main benefits to making the switch:

1. Efficiency. Propane gas furnaces are more efficient when compared to oil fueled furnaces. Oil furnaces typically produce heat at about 60% efficiency, meaning that for every dollar you spend on heating oil, you’ll only get about 60 cents worth of heat. Propane gas furnaces, on the other hand, are much more efficient, with ratings typically 90% or above. Appliances and furnaces that run on propane also have a longer life span, making them a more efficient, long-term choice.

2. Environmental Impact. Oil leaks can cost thousands of dollars and are very difficult to clean up. In fact, cleanup of an oil spill can involve anything from replacing the tank and supply lines and removing contaminated soil, to replacing your home’s foundation!
   
   - One litre of leaked oil can contaminate 1 million litres of drinking water.

   - A pinhole in an oil tank can empty 1,000 litres of oil.

   -  Pinhole leaks are often undetected for months, and sometimes years.
   
   In comparison, propane is non-toxic and will not create an environmental hazard if released as a liquid or vapor in water or soil.  There are no long-term affects of a propane spill, even in large quantities.

   Propane also has a lower carbon footprint, producing 38% fewer emissions than oil, with low carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. High efficiency propane furnaces emit 10,000 fewer pounds of carbon per year than standard oil-fueled furnaces.  Find out more about propane’s low carbon footprint.

3. Insurance Liability. Many insurance companies place strict rules on oil tanks and furnace coverage. While some policies may cover the loss of, or damage to your property resulting from an oil spill, some others do not. Soil damage is typically not covered, so be sure to research your own policy to find out what you are covered for. 
   
   The average cost for cleaning up a residential heating oil tank spill ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 dollars!

   Learn more about oil tank liability here.

Make the switch from oil today, contact us for a free residential propane quote!

Budget Propane supplies the world’s most eco-friendly gas to your home or office on demand.  Call 1 888 405.7777 to have Budget Propane install tanks and lines, place remote tank monitors, or provide technical support for your home, business, or contracting job. We deliver throughout central Ontario; Huntsville, Bracebridge, Haliburton, Muskoka, Bala, Midland, Orillia, Barrie, Alliston... and more! Visit us online at www.budgetpropaneontario.com