Even today, there continues to be a long standing debate as to which kind of furnace is more suited to homes in Columbia. Some individuals prefer to use gas furnaces, while others have opted for the oil-based alternative. The reality is that the comparison is not black and white. Ultimately, the decision between an oil and gas furnace will come to down to two important factors – energy efficiency and cost.
Oil and gas furnaces: Pros and cons
When temperatures drop during the cold winter months, as a homeowner, you will need to ensure that your furnace is operating at an optimal rate. Both oil and gas furnaces require the same level of maintenance, so this will not weigh in your decision too much.
As a homeowner choosing a furnace, it is extremely important to inspect for its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Every furnace comes with an AFUE rating that indicates how efficient the device is at using energy. Typically, it is found that oil based furnaces have AFUE ratings anywhere between 80% and 90%. Gas furnaces, on the hand, have AFUE ratings that can rise as high as 98%.
While gas furnaces may seem like the obvious choice, keep in mind that they also cost significantly more than oil furnaces. A gas furnace can set a homeowner back as much as 25% of the cost of an oil furnace. At the end of the day, the decision will boil down to how much you value energy efficiency over cost. Consult a professional furnace replacement company before making a decision.