oil heat v gas heat (Mamaroneck: houses, pros and cons, maintenance)

[mrspabs]

I am house hunting and I realized that I like old houses better than newer ones. Many of the houses I am looking at have oil heat.

Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of oil heat and what it costs to convert?

[havoc315]

I'm looking at both as well. I can't give you specifics, but I do know oil heat is typically more expensive (especially given current oil prices which have inflated more than gas prices). I can also tell you that conversion is not always possible -- Depends on whether there is a municipal gas line.

[ponytrekker]

Originally Posted by mrspabs

I am house hunting and I realized that I like old houses better than newer ones. Many of the houses I am looking at have oil heat.

Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of oil heat and what it costs to convert?

Oil is wicked expensive, and getting more so, tanks are a PITA to maintain and insure. These days having orl heat is a negative,

[doogan123]

Right now propane is more cost effective - however i amsure they will rotate back and forth over time. oil was move cost effective going back indifinetly until about 1.5 years ago

on the other hand - oil is dirty ( yes - even the new bburners) Propane is much cleaner, less yearly maintenance and when you install a propane tank you can use it for stove top, bbq, dryer etc if you choose...

[rkedz]

Originally Posted by doogan123

Right now propane is more cost effective - however i amsure they will rotate back and forth over time. oil was move cost effective going back indifinetly until about 1.5 years ago

on the other hand - oil is dirty ( yes - even the new bburners) Propane is much cleaner, less yearly maintenance and when you install a propane tank you can use it for stove top, bbq, dryer etc if you choose...

New oil burners today burn very clean. And like gas they need service annually.

[ponytrekker]

Municipal gas line is the way to go.

Con ed is super responsive, if you ever have a problem. Plus we have a huge natural gas supply.

[Cambium]

Oil Heat Pros: None.
Gas Heat Pros: None.
Wood Stove Pros: Unlimited.

Ok, ok...you want details...

Oil: Safer, , , expensive, dirty, refills
Gas: Less expensive, no refills, stove works when electric is out, , , Dangerous, smells, constant street openings, rates always changing
Wood Stove/Insert: Almost Free Energy, little maintenance, romantic flames, light and heat when power goes out.

[TDNY]

Nat gas is cheaper, but you have to be hooked up to a gas line. Depending on where the house is, that may not be possible. Con Ed only pays for about 100 feet of the connection, so anything more than that can add up quickly. Plus, you need a new furnace. I have oil heat. I'd rather have nat gas for the cost ,but it's not going to make or break a house for me.

[mfenimore]

yes its very very expensive to add a connection if its over 100 feet. We looked into this and it was thousands of dollars

[Cambium]

Was doing work on this house in Mamaroneck, I was hooking up the air condensors outside and I smelt gas... someone said there was a leak underground and they were coming to fix it. Amazing why we have this option out there. No wonder why its the cheapest.