Buying a house is one of the largest decisions you make throughout your life. You want to look at every aspect so carefully and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. One factor most homeowners take very seriously is the HVAC or heating system the home is equipped with, as it can strongly impact monthly and annual costs. What if the house you’re looking at uses oil for heat? Should you buy a house that’s heated with oil? If so, what steps should you take after purchasing the home?
PA Residents Love Heating Their Homes With Oil
Oil heat is an extremely popular option for houses in the Northeastern United States, including Pennsylvania, where our company resides. Oil is a time-tested option for heating your home that’s only steadily grown in popularity. This increase in popularity and abundance of oil has resulted in lower and better oil prices every day. But many people consider it outdated or too expensive. What do the costs of heating your home with oil actually look like?
Heating Oil is Extremely Cost-Effective
Oil prices are continuing to decrease across the US as new deposits are discovered every day. Not only that, but oil burns very hot–300º hotter than natural gas to be exact. This means you’ll heat your house faster and by burning minimal oil. So on a monthly basis, heating your home with oil means low energy bills and quick results. On a long-term basis, a well-maintained oil burner can last around 30 years! Compare this to the fact that replacing a natural gas furnace can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, and only last around 15 years. With heating oil, not only are you lowering your regular spending, but you’re investing in equipment that will last you decades.
Heating Oil is Clean
A huge misconception about heating oil has to do with its impact on the environment. However, like most other technologies, the heating oil process has vastly advanced in the past 50 years. Today, heating oil actually burns 95% clearer than it did in the 1970s. So much advancement has been made that the federal clean air act doesn’t even bother to regulate heating oil emissions. So if your home runs on oil, you can rest easy knowing you’re making an environmentally responsible choice.
How to Get Started With Your New Home & Oil Heater
Find an Oil Provider
Something our customers love about heating their homes with oil is the options that are available to you. Unlike natural gas, you get to decide for yourself what provider you’d like to work with. You’re allowed the opportunity to research, read reviews, get a few different quotes, and compare local oil companies. It’s smart to determine the oil company you’d like to work with before it’s time to order oil, as these companies often have trained technicians who can not only deliver oil, but maintain and repair your equipment. When you start a relationship with an oil company, choose one that can answer your questions, diagnose your heating problems, and offer an affordable price.
Get Your Equipment Inspected
Now that you’ve done your research and decided on an oil provider, it’s time to have your heating system inspected. Having your HVAC system inspected by a local professional means finding out how old the system is, what maintenance it might require, or how efficiently your oil is burning. Even if the system does not require replacement or repairs yet, your technician might be able to give you an estimate of how long the system will last you. This information is crucial in order to plan financially for major repairs.
Setup a Maintenance Plan
Once your system is inspected and oil is delivered, you would be wise to set up a maintenance plan with your oil provider. Setting up a regular maintenance plan ensures you know about minor repairs before they become major repairs. It’s a great opportunity to compile a list of your oil-heating questions and get some answers from the professionals. Having a clear maintenance plan in place makes the most of your oil heater and equipment. It also keeps your heater running at maximum efficiency, so you can be confident your energy bills are staying as low as they should be.
Heating Oil in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Bucks County Fuel is a family committed to providing you with the best oil and HVAC services available. That’s why we offer no delivery fees, no credit card fees, and the lowest heating oil costs around. We’re participants in LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) because we care about keeping local families safe and healthy. Contact Bucks County Fuel today for your HVAC needs!
