2007-11-20 13:20:01 · 7 answers · asked by ? 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The price of oil is very high at the moment. It could be like the 1970s where the price will go back down in a few years or it might stay high that is a gamble.
The price of electricity is most places is very high so resistance heat is not affordable. With all the global warming legislation that will be coming the price of electricity will only get higher. The only way to make electricity affordable is to go with a ground source heat pump or if you are in a warm climate a regular heat pump.
Gas is another fuel that will probably be affected by global warming legislation so it may in the future become more expensive. However gas is imported for the most part which makes the prices very unstable.
At the moment natural gas is a good bang for the buck. Propane is quite expensive at this moment.
You really need to look at your local prices for energy. I happen to live in a place where the electricity rate is really low so I would not even consider oil heat.
2007-11-20 13:29:03 · answer #1 · answered by mike b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have natural gas available it is usually the most cost effective. Look for a furnace with a AFUE rating of 90 to 95. Oil heat is generally the most expensive and oil heaters are much more expensive than natural gas heaters. Resistance type electric heaters are not very cost effective but heat pumps are if the outside temperature where you live rarely drops below 40°F. The best of both worlds is a high efficiency gas furnace - heat pump combination but they are very expensive and it would take several years to recoup the initial cost. I would recommend a two stage 90+% gas furnace or a modulating gas furnace... that's what I have.
2007-11-21 12:11:18 · answer #2 · answered by pyro_alchemist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electric heat is expensive and in my experience, not that great. Oil is OK, but aside from the ever-changing cost of oil, you have to factor in, maintanence (getting someone in every year to inspect the system and fill the tank). Oil heat also tends to be unpopular these days so it may affect the resale of your home. Natural gas is the best bang for your buck as (regardless of the price of the gas itself) it can be delivered to your home for far less than electricity.
Someone mentioned solar and wind energy which are GREAT options...but unfortunately..not very cost effective at this point. "Green" energy is an amazing add-on to whatever heating fuel you currently have, but is very expensive to set up.
High efficiency wood furnaces have been really gaining in popularity. Corn/Grain stoves are exploding too. A manufacturer local to me, produces a corn stove that burns 98.7% efficient, which is INCREDIBLE. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.
2007-11-20 15:38:38 · answer #3 · answered by Joe S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been asked this question many times. This is still my answer:
Cheapest---------Free wood.
Next----Natural gas (900btuh)-- L/P Gas--(2700 btuh) (90,000) per gallon.
Oil-----Burns hot and can use a lot.
Electric---Can be expensive. (3413 btuh per kw) Example--20kw furnace =68,260. Runs quiet and is 100% efficient
The best, I feel is a heat pump w/ an electric furnace back-up
1kw or 1000 watts @ 47 degrees ambient = 8533 btuh almost 3 times as efficient as the electric furnace. These are some facts and you make the choice. The heat pump can also cool your home in the warm months.
Bigbair70------Never let them see you sweat!!!!!!
2007-11-21 10:19:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
None of the three. Solar and wind are the best in the long run.
2007-11-20 14:28:50 · answer #5 · answered by SilentDoGood 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gas is most economical
2007-11-20 13:30:13 · answer #6 · answered by Jeffery H K 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
more insulation.
2007-11-21 13:03:27 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny Reb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋