Top 5 Reasons to Switch from Oil to Propane

5 reasons to Switch from Oil to Propane If you are still using oil to heat your home or cottage, you might be surprised to learn that propane has several benefits that might have you considering switching to propane, as an alternative, and clean burning fuel. Heating your home or cottage in the winter can be difficult as is with unpredictable Canadian weather, let alone worrying about extra expenditures or environmental impact.

So, what are the benefits to propane? We have laid out 5 reasons why we think you should consider switching from oil to propane.

Environmental Impact

Propane is a clean-burning, alternative energy source that has very little impact on the environment. Unlike oil, which can leak and cause severe environmental damage, propane is a gas that dissipates into the atmosphere and therefore cannot contaminate soil or water. Propane has a lower carbon footprint as well, producing nearly 40% 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.

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.

Safety

Propane is one of the safest alternative fuels you can use. It has a unique odour added to it by manufacturers so that it can be easily recognized and detected in the case of a leak. It is non-toxic, cannot be ingested, cannot contaminate soil or water, and is stored in highly regulated tanks with safety valves and other safety mechanisms to prevent ruptures.

Heating Efficiency

Oil furnaces typically produce heat at about 60% efficiency while propane furnaces, on the other hand, are much more efficient, with ratings typically 90% or above. By switching to propane you are ensuring you are heating your home in the most efficient manner.

Cost Savings

Because propane furnaces are much more efficient, you end up saving money as well. It is also worth considering that the cost of an oil leak can range in the hundreds of thousands due to the rate it can contaminate soil and water. We will look more at this in the next point.

Insurance Liability

The Insurance Bureau of Canada confirms that $78.5 million was paid out on oil tank spills from 2008 to 2011. But being insured does not guarantee you won’t be liable for damages. Leaks and spills from a home oil tank are dangerous and can become extremely costly. The average cost for cleanup of an oil tank leak/spill is $250,000 to more than $500,000 and can include:

Replacing the tank and supply lines
Removing contaminated soil from around your home
Replacing your home's foundation

As a homeowner with an oil tank on your property, you are responsible for year-round maintenance of your oil tank. If there is a spill or leak of oil from your property, you could be entirely responsible for all of the costs associated with the clean-up.

You deserve a safe, efficient, and reliable fuel source for your home or cottage. Switching to propane allows homeowners to make an impact on preserving our environment in an affordable way.

To learn more about the benefits of Propane, check out these other blog posts:

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