Take Control Of Your Heating
Here are 3 ways you could save energy and carbon emissions by being more efficient with your heating:
- If you can, try turning your thermostat down by one degree. If everyone in the UK did this, wed stop over 8 million tonnes of carbon being released into the atmosphere per year 7.
- Time your heating well. You dont normally need the heating on when youre away from home. So if you can, you can try to time it so that its on when you arrive back.
- Find the ideal temperature for each room. Some rooms need to be warm, like living rooms and bathrooms. But having a hot bedroom while youre watching telly downstairs can waste energy. Using radiator valves to zone your rooms can help.
- Read our blog to learn how to save electricity at home and reduce your bills.
Crucial Energy Source During The Energy Transition Process
Even though the transition from fossil to renewable energies has already started, we as a global society are still heavily dependent on oil as primary power source.
Thus, the use of oil will still be crucial in order to ensure our supply with material things for many years.
Therefore, oil is crucial in order to avoid a breakdown of industries in the energy transition process.
However, when the energy transition process has been accomplished in the next decades, oil will become less important.
How Efficient Is Oil
An oil-fired system offers the same sort of efficiency as a gas system, if not a little better in some cases. The best, A rated, energy-efficient boilers can offer up to 98% efficiency. As with all heating systems, regular maintenance and servicing will help the system run more cleanly and efficiently. It also helps to match your boiler with the most modern heating controls, such as smart thermostats.
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Searching For Oil Can Be Expensive
Since oil is a fossil resource and becomes scarcer over time, the exploration of new oil extraction opportunities also becomes more difficult over time.
Hence, this in turn implies that the exploration of oil fields becomes more expensive, which may increase the global oil price and may lower the incentive for firms to engage in the oil business or to rely on oil as primary energy source.
Financial Savings From Oil Heat
Converting to natural gas can cost more than $10,000 in parts and labor, while upgrading your current boiler or furnace can save you up to 30% on your annual fuel bills. Not to mention, Tower Energy and Plainville Oil, a Tower Energy company, are committed to finding you as many savings as possible so you are safe and comfortable every winter.
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Oil Energy Produces Toxic Gases
The use of oil in energy production results in the release of various gases. These can include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Some of these can be toxic to our health and the health of our planet. Oil energy also produces greenhouse gases which contribute towards climate change. This is one of the major cons of oil energy.
Ground Source Heat Pump
If youre searching for a greener, more efficient, low maintenance option to heat your homes, consider this low-carbon solution which uses only the heat from underground,. But with prices at around £14,000 to £19,000 for installation, theyre still a long way from being accessible for most of us. FInd out about grants you may be eligible for, that can help towards the installation costs.
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Cons Of Oil Central Heating
The price of heating oil can fluctuate, with sudden spikes caused by surges in demand, weather conditions and political unrest.
As oil is delivered by road, there is a possibility you could run out while you wait for your next delivery, especially in bad winter weather conditions. However, systems that monitor the amount of oil in your tank and automatically notify your supplier can help you to avoid this problem, if you opt for this service. There are other things you can do to get the best heating oil price.
Installing an oil central-heating system from scratch can be expensive and disruptive. The heating oil tank can also be unsightly and needs servicing annually.
Most condensing oil-fired boilers are floor-standing, so you may have problems trying to find a wall-mounted model. They also need to be plumbed in to allow acidic condensate liquid to drain away.
Oil boilers generally limit the hot-water flow rate to ensure the water is as hot as it should be. This means the hot-water flow rate is lower than it would be with a gas combi or hot-water cylinder system, and the temperature will decline as more water is used.
Oil is a fossil fuel and produces carbon dioxide when its burned, and therefore cant be considered a clean source of energy. The government plans to phase out high-carbon fossil fuel heating systems, such as oil boilers, during the 2020s. Find out more below.
Cost Of Electric Heat Vs Oil
Which is cheaper electric or oil heat? In this price contest, electricity and oil are neck and neck. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts the average electric heat cost during winter 2020 to be $1,209. For the same period, they estimate heating oil costs at $1,221. Compared to last winter, electric heat costs rose by 7% due to colder than average temperatures, while heating oil costs fell by 10% due to lower crude oil prices.
Your habits and the condition of your home also play a significant role in how much you pay for heat, whether it’s electric or oil. You can save money with simple adjustments like turning down the thermostat when no one is home and wearing weather-appropriate clothing indoors so you don’t have to overcompensate for warmth by using more of your heating supply.
Heat can also escape through cracks and crevices in your home, especially around windows and doors. Making sure those entry points are tightly sealed can help you keep more heat inside so that less oil or electricity is required to warm your home.
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Subsidies And Grants To Convert Oil Heating To Electric Heating Like Heat Pumps
What the new ban on oil fired heating is doing, is to accelerate putting in place grants and financial incentives to help homeowners convert fuel oil heating systems with furnaces and boilers to heat pumps efficiently using electricity or other renewable energies. In Quebec for example, the Chauffez Vert program will be maintained at least until 2026, bailed out by $134.5 million for the occasion by the Canadian Federal Government.
To also go in hand with electrifying Quebec’s domestic heating in an environmentally friendly manner – and to help homeowners spread the financial cost and increase the savings of more efficient heating systems, JeRénovÉco, the new financing and support offer that Écohabitation is developing to initially convert oil heating to electricity, makes renovation accessible and affordable for all by making it possible to exploit the energy-efficient potential of homes.
JeRénovÉco as a concept makes it very easy to convert oil and gas systems to electricity in a very simple way. Successfully tested in Plessisville, Varennes and Verchères, the program aims to launch across Quebec in 2022. Interested municipalities in Quebec who may wish to participate in this innovative and affordable financing solution are also invited to inquire and contact JeRénovÉco via their dedicated website.
How To Get The Best Deal On Heating Oil
Here are a few tips to make sure youre getting the best deal for your oil:
- Plan ahead buying at the last minute and asking for an express or emergency delivery will cost you a premium.
- Buy in summer theres likely less demand for heating oil in the warmer months, but its not always the case so keep an eye on the market. Most people have a 1,000 to 2000 litre tank, and buy oil 2 to 3 times a year. So if youre saving 5p on a litre by buying in summer, you could save up to £300 a year.
- Bulk buy if you dont have a large-capacity tank, there are heating oil buying clubs you can join. This way you can make savings on a larger order. The UKIFDA site offers some guidance.
- Start a heating oil club if theres not a club in your area, why not start one with your local community? For best prices, a group of 20 households ordering around 10,000 litres of oil is ideal.
- Haggle! we may not be used to this age-old form of negotiating, but the more quotes you have, the more likely you are to get a better price.
- To contract or not to contract that is the question! While a contract paid by Direct Debit might be handy, it doesnt offer you flexibility.
- Protect your tank do regular checks on the tank yourself, and get an annual service by the Oil Firing Technical Association. Also, insure your tank against theft on your house insurance, and keep your tank secure.
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Heating Oil Is A Clean Burning Fuel Source
In the past, fuel oil systems produced a lot of smoke and soot. This aspect of oil heating gave it a bad name and made it an unsuitable heating source. However, with advanced technology, currently, heating oil burns 95% more efficiently than it did in the early 1970s. In fact, the heating oil industry has cut its total greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 33% over the last four decades.
Pros And Cons Of Electric Heating Systems
Electric systems work similarly to gas systems but use an electric ignition to start rather than a pilot light.
Pros
- Doesnt make loud or clunky noises when operating
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Systems are susceptible to power outages
- More expensive to use than gas
- Slower response to temperature changes
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Oil Heat Pros And Cons
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If you found this post because you typed oil heat into your browser, then chances are high that you live in the Northeastern United States.
Why?
Because this is the region that consumes almost all of the heating oil in the United States. According to the Energy Information Administration, 84% of all residential oil sales in America were made in America’s Northeast Region in 2015.
It’s a good reason. Winter weather can be bitterly cold. Oil heat is one of the most effective ways to beat frigid temperatures. Because oil heat is 300 degrees hotter than natural gas, it warms homes faster and requires less fuel.
It’s not the fastest or most efficient heat source, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best for you.
The decision becomes more complicated when you take into account environmental factors, fuel costs, and convenience.
Here are some tips to help you make a decision.
Buying A New Home: The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Heating Oil
Have you found your dream home, but just discovered it uses oil to fuel the property?
If youve never lived in a home that uses heating oil it is not surprising that you are left a little a little lost. Where gas and electricity magically appears in your home through the mains network and you pay automatically month to month with heating oil it requires you to place a physical order each time you need a top up.
If you are nervous about committing to a new property before fully understanding the impact of oil heating we have tried to help by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home which uses heating oil below. We hope you find it useful!
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The Pros And Cons Of Oil And Gas Heating
You want to feel warm and cozy when the temperatures drop. At the same time, you dont to take a deep hit to your bank account when the power bill arrives. When shopping for a new furnace, it is wise to consider the fuel sources they use. While some swear by gas furnaces, other contest that oil is best. In the end, both types of are good at making your home feel comfortable. Knowing the advantages and drawbacks of each will help you make an educated decision based on your needs and budget.
The Best Heating System Natural Gas Vs Oil Heat
Are you often in contact with a heating repair service company? What is the purpose of a heating system and what kind of system is installed in your home? Are you using a furnace, boiler, heat pump or something else to heat your home?
Furnaces are one of the oldest forms of heaters in most homes across the country for a good reason. They are reliable, durable, and cost-effective. Some are powered by natural gas while others operate on oil. With the different types of power source available for a what is the purpose of a heating system, sometimes it can be a challenge for families to choose which type to invest in.
Before making a decision, know the difference between natural gas and oil-powered heaters.
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Keys To Choosing The Best Water Heater For Your Space
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are four key aspects to consider before selecting a new water heater.
Fuel.
This must be considered first since energy costs can differ substantially in different geographic regions. Another thing to note not all energy types are readily available in every area.
So here, what you want to do is find out what fuels are easily available in your area: electricity, gas, oil, propane. Then do a cost evaluation to get a sense of how much you would spend each month using different types of fuel to heat your water.
Cost.
The cost of the water heater itself – purchase, installation, maintenance, repairs – is also a significant aspect to consider before you make your final purchase decision.
Along with the cost assessment, it is important to be aware that some types of water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install up front, but they will deliver much greater savings on monthly energy usage once operational. Doing these comparison estimates can be very helpful to make your final choice.
Efficiency.
Whether your reasons are adopting a more sustainable lifestyle with a lower carbon footprint or simply saving money on your monthly energy costs, it is important to consider the overall efficiency projections for different types of water heaters.
These factors will highlight which type may best align with your overall goals.
Size/Capacity.
Some hot water heaters can generate higher amounts of hot water more quickly than others.
Introduction To Heating Oil
Heating oil is one of the most popular fuel types in the Northeast. It is stored in an oil tank somewhere on the property, and fed into a boiler or furnace where it is burned and converted to heat. You will mostly likely find the oil tank inside the basement of the house.
However, heating oil tanks can also be found outside the house, in the garage, or even underground. Underground heating oil tanks are less common these days, and are generally undesirable as they could unknowingly start leaking over time.
If you are considering buying a home with an underground oil tank, we recommend removing it and replacing it with an above ground tank. Follow this guide on choosing a new heating oil tank if this is the case.
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Electric Heat
There are numerous benefits to using electric heat. For example, electric heaters are available for either whole houses or individual rooms. This makes them useful for heating additions or seldom-used rooms.
Electric furnaces are also very safe, as they dont produce dangerous gases as by-products. There is no combustion in electric heaters, so the chance of a home fire is remote as well.
In the oil versus electric heat debate, however, oil sometimes gets the upper hand. Electric heaters are significantly less efficient than their oil-burning counterparts are, and the air thats delivered is also cooler than in oil systems.
Whats The Alternative To Oil
No one likes fuel oil. Its dirty, its inefficient, and it can wreak havoc on your home. Thankfully, heating alternatives do exist, and theyre gaining popularity. Check out options like natural gas, air-source heat pumps, and geothermal systems. Im bullish on geothermal systems because theyre just about the exact opposite of oil-based systems.
- They use energy from the ground to heat and cool, not combustion.
- Theyre low maintenance and last a long time.
- Theres no risk of leaks or spills.
- Theyre hyper-efficient.
- They save homeowners a ton of money on energy bills .
Take it from a reformed oil man. Oil heating is essentially the same today as it was in 1960. Start heating like its the future, because it is.
Geothermal isnt right for everyone. Click the button below to find out if its right for you.
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What Are The Advantages Of Oil Central Heating
- If youre not connected to the gas mains, oil can be delivered anywhere so its a good alternative
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3By switching to OVO Energy you could reduce your carbon footprint by up to 1 tonne of carbon per year. This is based on the carbon emissions caused in the production and consumption of the 100% renewable electricity OVO provides as standard, compared to the emissions caused by the production
4The renewable electricity we sell is backed by renewable certificates ). See here for details on REGO certificates and how these work.
5 Each year, OVO plants 1 tree for every member in partnership with the Woodland Trust. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so tree-planting helps to slow down climate change.
6 Interest Rewards are paid on credit balances of customers paying by monthly Direct Debit. It is calculated at 3% in your first year, 4% in your second year and 5% in your third year if you pay by Direct Debit. Interest Rewards are paid monthly based on the number of days youre in credit and the amount left in your account after youve paid your bill. Full terms apply
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