oil heat v gas heat (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.