Choosing the right heating system for your home is a big deal, especially in Delaware County, PA, where winters can be long and biting. If you’re a homeowner here, chances are you’ve weighed your options between an oil furnace and a gas furnace. But which one is truly better for your home, comfort, and budget?
In this post, we’re going beyond the surface to help you make an informed decision. We’ll compare everything from efficiency and cost to maintenance and long-term performance. We’re also factoring in how local conditions in Delaware County affect your choice.
Let’s break it down, one practical question at a time.
What’s the Difference Between an Oil Furnace and a Gas Furnace?
At their core, both oil and gas furnaces do the same job: they heat your home by burning fuel to produce warm air. But the way they do it, and what it costs you in the long run, varies quite a bit.
Oil furnaces burn heating oil delivered to your home and stored in a tank.
Gas furnaces connect to a natural gas line, so the fuel is supplied continuously via the utility system.
That alone tells you a lot about convenience and planning, but there’s more to the story.
Which Furnace is More Efficient?
If you’re thinking long-term, efficiency matters. It affects your fuel bills and how eco-friendly your home is.
Gas furnaces tend to win here, especially high-efficiency models with AFUE ratings of 90 to 98 percent. That means nearly all the fuel gets converted into heat.
Oil furnaces usually range between 80 and 90 percent, though new models are narrowing the gap.
That said, oil burns hotter than gas, so it can heat your home more quickly. In places like Havertown or Springfield where winter nights can be brutal, that intensity can be a real advantage.
And if you’re wondering about newer options, yes, there is such a thing as a high efficiency oil boiler furnace, and they’re a solid choice when you want the heating power of oil without sacrificing energy savings.
Oil Furnace vs. Gas Furnace Cost: What’s the Real Story?
This one gets a little layered, so let’s unpack it.
Upfront Costs
Oil furnaces often cost less to install. The equipment itself is typically cheaper, and many older homes in Delaware County are already set up with oil tanks and lines.
Gas furnaces might cost more initially, especially if you need to extend or install a gas line. However, this is often a one-time cost with long-term benefits.
Fuel Costs
Natural gas is usually cheaper than heating oil. So even if a gas furnace costs more upfront, you’ll likely pay less each month to keep it running. Over the life of the system, that can mean thousands in savings.
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Maintenance Costs
Oil systems require more maintenance. Filters need to be changed more often, and the buildup of soot can’t be ignored. Gas systems burn cleaner and typically require fewer tune-ups.
Lifespan
Well-maintained oil systems can last 20 years or more. Gas systems are similar, though less maintenance may mean less wear and tear over time.
Want to find out what makes sense for your home and budget? Call Boyle Energy at 610-347-5197 for expert guidance on heating system upgrades or tune-ups in Delaware County. Our team specializes in both oil and gas heating solutions, and we’ll walk you through every option.
Fuel Availability and Delivery: Planning Matters
Another thing to consider is how you’ll get your fuel.
Gas furnaces are only an option if your home is near a utility gas line. Many neighborhoods in the Philly suburbs are connected, but not all. If you’re in a more rural part of Delaware County, you might not have access.
Oil furnaces require a fuel tank and regular deliveries. It’s something you need to plan for, especially during high-demand winter months. But with a reliable delivery service, that’s not a major obstacle.
This is also where some homeowners start asking about oil vs. propane furnace setups.
So, oil vs. propane furnace, how do they compare?
Both require delivery, but propane burns cleaner and is typically stored in pressurized tanks. It’s a viable alternative if you’re off the gas grid but want something that behaves more like natural gas. However, propane prices fluctuate just like oil, and the BTU output isn’t as strong as oil.
Safety and Emissions: Which is Better for Your Home?
From a safety perspective, both systems are solid if installed and maintained properly.
Natural gas does carry a risk of carbon monoxide or gas leaks, which is why proper venting and annual inspections are critical.
Oil is less volatile and won’t explode, but leaks from tanks can cause environmental damage if not detected early.
When it comes to emissions, natural gas burns cleaner than oil. If sustainability is part of your decision-making process, a high-efficiency gas furnace or even switching to a hybrid heating system could make sense.
Which One’s Right for Delaware County?
Let’s bring this home, literally.
Choose an Oil Furnace If:
You live in a rural area with no access to natural gas
Your home already has an oil tank and related infrastructure
You want strong, fast heat during extremely cold winters
You prefer to shop around for fuel prices and have some control over your supplier
Choose a Gas Furnace If:
Your neighborhood has access to a natural gas line
You want lower long-term fuel costs and easier maintenance
Energy efficiency and clean-burning performance are a priority
You don’t want to worry about fuel deliveries or running out mid-winter
Still can’t decide? That’s what we’re here for. At Boyle Energy, we’ve been helping Delaware County homeowners make smart heating choices for over 85 years. We’ll assess your home, walk you through every option, and install the system that’s the best fit for your comfort and budget. Call us today at 610-347-5197 to schedule your free consultation or heating system inspection.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between an oil and gas furnace isn’t just about what’s cheaper or more efficient. It’s about what works for your home, your neighborhood, your lifestyle, and how you want to plan for the future. In many cases, both systems can be excellent with the right installation and ongoing maintenance.
Whether you’re upgrading from an old system or building a new home in Delaware County, Boyle Energy is your trusted local partner. From expert HVAC installation to dependable heating oil and propane delivery, we make sure you stay warm, safe, and efficient all year long.
Call Boyle Energy at 610-347-5197 to speak with a heating expert today. Let’s make sure your home is ready for winter and every season after that.
Experience unparalleled comfort year-round!
Ensure your home stays cozy with our expert Havertown HVAC service and tune-up
Patrick Boyle brings over three decades of expertise to Boyle Energy, carrying forward a family legacy that began with his grandfather, Joseph Boyle Sr., the company’s founder. With extensive technical proficiency, Patrick holds advanced certifications in both oil and HVAC systems, ensuring the highest standards of service and performance. Additionally, he is recognized as an NPGA-certified propane service professional, underscoring his commitment to safety and industry best practices. Under his leadership, Boyle Energy continues to deliver reliable and efficient energy solutions, grounded in generations of trust and innovation.
