5 Reasons to upgrade from oil to propane

Efficiency is just one of the benefits of making the switch!

1. Comfort & Control

Oil furnaces are like a light switch they’re either all on, or all off. Propane furnaces, on the other hand, can operate like a dimmer switch, with features that control the temperature very close to the set point. That feature is particularly effective for homes with zoning, where only one part of the house requires heat.

2. Versatility

Unlike many oil furnaces, gas furnaces are generally air conditioner–ready, and most can easily be paired with indoor air quality products such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air cleaners. Propane itself also offers the flexibility of fueling other appliances in the home such as cooktops, clothes dryers and outdoor kitchens, pool heaters and lighting. When homeowners want to upgrade their clothes dryer or kitchen range to gas, or add a standby generator or pool heater, they’ll already have the propane systems in place to fuel those amenities.

3. Easy Installation

Oil furnaces are typically vented through the chimney which can be a problem in older homes where furnace exhaust has deteriorated the chimney’s liner or if the chimney is starting to lean. Condensing propane furnaces can be vented through the side wall, with inexpensive PVC pipe. Gas furnaces can also be installed in virtually any direction, making it easier for dealers and installers to stock just a few models.

4. No Electrical Upgrades

Gas furnaces use the same voltage as oil furnaces, so there’s no need to upgrade a home’s electrical panel or generator. Switching to a heat pump, by comparison, in most cases requires a new 200-amp panel, which could cost thousands of dollars to upgrade.

5. Maintenance & Warranty

Today’s gas furnaces are robust. Many use stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers to improve reliability and offer a lifetime warranty on the heat exchangers. When presented to a consumer who’s having to schedule regular maintenance on their oil furnace, and it can be a pretty enticing proposition. That’s especially true when that low-maintenance upgrade is coupled with the energy savings of a high-efficiency unit and the comfort of precise warmth.