Oil Heat and Central Air? (how much, houses, live)

cbags · 01-04-2008, 02:25 PM

My husband and I might relocate to Vermont this summer. We are looking at houses online and most of them are older with oil heat. I'm not familiar with that- is it like gas? And how common is it for homes to have no central air? I'm not sure if homes in VT even need central air- the farthest north I've lived is the upper west side in Manhattan. Would love some advice and insight.

Thanks!

flu189 · 01-04-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbags

My husband and I might relocate to Vermont this summer. We are looking at houses online and most of them are older with oil heat. I'm not familiar with that- is it like gas? And how common is it for homes to have no central air? I'm not sure if homes in VT even need central air- the farthest north I've lived is the upper west side in Manhattan. Would love some advice and insight.

Thanks!

Newer houses also use oil heat and some areas are also linked to natural gas. I personally don't see the need for central air at least where I am at, but if you get a home with forced air heat then you will already have the duct work in place to allow for central AC installation. I find oil heat to be pretty efficient for my needs, but as you probably already know it along with all other energy sources as gotten pretty expensive. A well insulated home with an efficient heating system will save you quite a bit of money.

sugarmaple · 01-10-2008, 01:07 PM

Hi, I have lived in VT for about 15 years (moved from CT) and have not needed central air. There have been a few days each summer, usually about a week in August when it can get more humid than usual but other than that...I also have oil and am pleased with it and its efficiency. When you do start to look at homes, I suggest that you check out the heating systems...the newer ones, I believe, such as System 2000 are very good and efficient...I actually put this system in a couple of years ago and it has served me well, warm-wise and economically!

cbags · 01-12-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for your help and advice! I will take that into account when we are house searching. I'm very excited and hope it works out! Vermont looks so beautiful.

Grybas44 · 01-14-2008, 03:36 PM

I have oil as well, but at times I wish to have propane. The prices are comparible. However, if you want to have a gas stove or a gas fire place, forget having them if you have oil. Also, with propane you do not own the tank. Good? Some people will say no, but keep this in mind. If the propane company owns the tank, they are responsible for the up keep if it breaks from normal wear and tear. Well, if you do chose propane or oil make sure you are able to get into a prebuy program. It is a safe way to lock into a price per gallon. If oil prices dramatically increase from the summer to the winter, then you are safe.

flu189 · 01-14-2008, 04:55 PM

I will be curious to see what the pre-buy rate for heating oil will be this coming summer. The previous winter I actually ended up paying almost $200 more with the pre-buy and I know a few folks who opted to gamble with COD this season. I am sure glad I did not waffle and went with it again this year as I will save over $800 this season, and barring an extremely cold Feb/Mar I should finish the season with a full tank to take me into the next season. I sure hope for next year we will not see $4.00 or above oil and if that happens I really think two to three more heating seasons will push me to the decision point of leaving.

quickdraw · 01-15-2008, 10:07 AM

It really depends on how much you hate heat. I would have an air conditioning
system if I could afford it. There are humid days in the summer when I wish I had one. However, our nights are generally cool. We sleep directly under the ceiling fan and are almost never uncomfortable.

Many people feel you don't need an air conditioner. But some do.

Grybas44 · 01-15-2008, 09:47 PM

Quickdraw...I completely agree with what you said. The few months that it is so humid makes having air conditioning so worthwhile. I too wish I could put a system in. If anyone builds a new place I would suggest doing it then.

Sherylcatmom · 01-16-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grybas44

Quickdraw...I completely agree with what you said. The few months that it is so humid makes having air conditioning so worthwhile. I too wish I could put a system in. If anyone builds a new place I would suggest doing it then.

I agree! No exaggeration: I would be unable to work or sleep without AC on those (admittedly few) days/weeks of hot, humid weather. We do cool our large space easily with 1 large unit downstairs and 1 unit per room upstairs. The new window units are surprisingly efficient. We have only slightly higher electric bills because of them and the house is very comfortable.