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Is Heating Oil Still a Good Option in 2026? A Local Homeowner’s Guide in Delaware County

Woman warming hands near electric radiator indoors

As we move further into 2026, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to keep their homes comfortable while balancing energy costs. If you’re in Delaware County, you might be asking: Is heating oil still a good option for my home? With energy prices constantly changing, it’s important to evaluate all your heating options. Let’s dive into why heating oil in Havertown, PA is still a practical choice for many homeowners and how it compares to other heating methods.

Heating Oil: A Reliable Choice for Northeast Homes

Heating oil has been a staple for homeowners in the Northeast for decades, and for good reason. Despite the rise of natural gas and electric heating, heating oil companies in Delaware County continue to provide a dependable option for those who live in areas where other fuel types aren’t as readily available or convenient.

In fact, many people still choose oil for home heating because of its high heat output. When the temperature drops, heating oil systems can provide a steady, consistent source of warmth, even in the coldest winters. Unlike electric systems, which may struggle to keep up in extreme conditions, oil heating systems are designed to handle heavy demand. This makes them especially ideal for homes with large families or older properties that need more warmth to stay comfortable.

Heating Oil vs Electric: Which One Is Right for You?

One of the most common decisions homeowners face when it comes to their heat source is whether to continue using heating oil or make the switch to electric. So, what’s the real difference? Heating oil tends to be more cost effective for the heat generated, particularly in a place with tough winters like Delaware County.

Is heating oil worth it? If you’re in search of steady, reliable warmth during the coldest times of year, then the answer is yes. In most of the Northeast, oil heat is by far more cost-effective for large homes. Electric heating, on the other hand, might be perceived as easier, since you don’t have fuel to keep available. But it also tends to be more costly to run, particularly in colder regions.

Another consideration is the long-term stability of the system. Oil heating systems usually have long service lives and lower rates of maintenance issues than electric ones, which is also an investment in the future.

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Is Oil Heat Cheaper Than Electric?

You might be asking yourself, is oil heat cheaper than electric? It depends on a few things. In general, oil heating is more affordable than electric heating  and outperforms natural gas. People in the U.S. who heat with oil have seen some fluctuations over the years, but many feel that oil is generally less expensive than electric heating. Of course, this can depend on your local utility rates and how much (if you have a whole electric heating system) energy it takes to keep your home warm in winter.

If your home runs really hot or requires constant heat, converting to electric could end up costing more than you spent on your coal stove (especially if yours isn’t the energy-efficient kind). Oil heat, on the other hand, works best in colder geographic areas and uses less energy to sustain an even indoor temperature.

The Bottom Line: Should You Stick with Heating Oil?

So, is heating oil still a good option in 2026? Absolutely. If you live in Delaware County or another cold region, heating oil remains a dependable and efficient choice. With heating oil companies offering more eco-friendly solutions like Bioheat, it’s easier than ever to stay warm while being mindful of the environment.

But the decision ultimately comes down to your home’s specific needs. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance with reliable heating, sticking with oil could be your best bet. However, if you have access to natural gas or electric options and want something with a smaller carbon footprint, exploring other heating methods might make sense.

If you’re uncertain, it’s always a good idea to speak with a local heating expert. Boyle Energy can help you assess your current heating system and suggest the best options based on your needs and budget.

Ready to Make the Switch? Call Boyle Energy for Expert Heating Solutions

If you’re ready to explore your heating options or need expert advice on whether heating oil is the right choice for your home, Boyle Energy is here to help. Whether it’s installing a new oil heating system or upgrading your existing one, we can guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and get your home ready for the colder months ahead.

Boyle Energy – Your Trusted Partner for Heating Solutions in Delaware County!

Experience unparalleled comfort year-round!

Ensure your home stays cozy with our expert Havertown HVAC service and tune-up

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • HM-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness
  • Protecting your Customer Base
  • NORA Gold – Oil Tank Installation & Maintenance
  • Superior Customer Service & Selling Skills
  • Getting Lean and Mean Management

PROPANE CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Basic Plant Operations

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Silver Certification
  • Riello Gas And Oil Burners
  • Electrical/ECM Workshop for the Oil Heat Technician
  • Advanced Oil Heat
  • Oil Burner Set-Up & Installations
  • Nora Tank Seminar
  • Oil Training Seminar
  • Codes and Standards for the Installation of Oil-Fired Equip.

HVAC CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps
  • Field Controls Residential Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality
  • Boilers and Controls
  • Burnham Boiler Installation & Systems Piping
  • Hydronics Step by Step
  • Airflow Class
  • Gas Codes & Standards
  • Colors of Heat/Hydronics Syst.
  • Basic Electrical And Controls Seminar
  • 4-Day Bryant, Carrier & Payne Basic AC
  • Reading and Understanding Wiring Schematics
  • 2-Day Heat Pump Service Workshop
  • Proper Sizing for HVAC Installations

PROPANE CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Bobtail Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery Combo
  • Basic Plant Operations
  • Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Designing and Installing Interior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation
  • Placing VDS into Operation
  • Basic Electricity for Propane Appliance
  • Gas Check
  • Cylinder Requalification

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • NORA Gold Hydronics Seminar
  • Combustion Tuneup
  • Basic Oil Heat Training
  • Combustion Testing

HVAC CERTIFICATIONS

  • Sales Skills for Technical Employees
  • Troubleshooting Low Voltage Wiring
  • Superior Customer Service & Selling Skills
  • Basic Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Combustion Tuneup
  • Basic Oil Heat Training
  • Combustion Testing
  • Heat Exchanger Experts Training

HVAC CERTIFICATION

  • Basic Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Protecting your Customer Base
  • Codes and Standards for the Installation of Oil-Fired Equip.
  • Energy Future Seminar – The Changing Oil picture for 2007

PROPANE CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Bobtail Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery Combo
  • Basic Plant Operations
  • Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Gas Check
  • Cylinder Requalification

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • HM-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness
  • NORA Gold – Oil Tank Installation & Maintenance
  • Superior Customer Service &  Selling Skills
  • Getting Lean and Mean Management

Propane CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Basic Plant Operations

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Hm-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness
  • NORA Gold -Oil Tank Installation & Maintenance
  • Superior Customer Service & Selling Skills
  • Getting Lean and Mean Management

HVAC CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Basic Plant Operations

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • HM-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness

PROPANE CERTIFICATIONS

Basic Principles and Practices

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Silver Certification
  • Electrical/ECM Workshop for the Oil Heat Technician
  • Advanced Oil Heat
  • HM-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness Training
  • Oil Burner Set-Up & Installation
  • Codes and Standards for the Installation of Oil-Fired Equip.
  • Nora Tank Seminar
  • Combustion Technology

HVAC CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps
  • Air Conditioning Troubleshooting & Air Flow
  • Steam Heat
  • Field Controls Venting for the Future
  • Burnham Boiler Installation & Systems Piping
  • Boilers and Controls
  • Hydronics Step by Step
  • 2-Day Residential Load Calculations
  • Colors of Heat/Hydronic Syst
  • Airflow
  • Fundamentals of Piping 101
  • Basic Electrical and Controls Seminar
  • 4-Day Byrant, Carrier & Payne Basic Air Conditioning
  • 2-Day Heat pump Service Workshop
  • Motor Class for Technicians
  • EPA Approved Air Conditioning
  • Proper Sizing for HVAC Installations

Certificates

OIL CERTIFICATIONS

  • NORA Storage Tank Installation and Maintenance
  • Combustion Technology Codes and Standards for the Installation of Oil Fired Equip.
  • Winter 2011-2012
  • HM-126F & Hazmat Security Awareness Training
  • New Pricing Ideas for Oil Dealers in 2011
  • Protecting your Customer Base
  • Nora Tank Seminar
  • Combustion Technology
  • Combined Compliance Seminar
  • PPMCSA Summer Conference
  • Roth Tank
  • Federated Risk Management

HVAC CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps
  • Hydronics Step by Step Section 1
  • Color of Heat/Hydronic Syst.
  • Airflow
  • High Efficiency Gas Hot Air
  • Gas Codes and Standards
  • Basic Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps
  • Crown Boiler Hydronics
  • Commercial Burner Beckett Program
  • Drug & Alcohol Awareness Supervisory
  • NFPA Standards
  • Combined Compliance
  • EPA Lead Safe Certified of Section 402 of TSCA

PROPANE CERTIFICATIONS

  • Basic Principles and Practices
  • Bobtail Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery Combo
  • Basic Plant Operations
  • Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Designing and Installing Interior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation
  • Placing VDS into Operation
  • Basic Electricity for Propane Appliance
  • Gas Check
  • Cylinder Requalification
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