subject: Gas Boiler Vs Oil Boiler [print this page] A lot of people have the boiler systems that use oil as fuel. This used to be the most popular type of boiler and almost every home installed this system. They were very durable systems and even though people have long ago began to understand that the gas boiler is a better alternative the oil versions are still functioning and a lot of people do not see the necessity of changing out there boiler systems when they have a functioning system. You have probably heard the old adage of if it is not broken then do not fix it. Well these people believe that as long as their system is providing them with heated water they should leave well enough alone.
The people who believe like this do not realize that although their oil versions are working they are outdated and they are not working efficiently. It is costing the people burning oil almost twice as much in fuel as the people who have switched over to the newer more efficient gas boiler systems.
One reason you will burn more oil than you will gas is because oil does not burn as efficient. You have to use more of it to create the same effect. So the gas boiler automatically requires less fuel.
When the oil versions were invented there was a regulation put in place that said the boilers must be fifty to fifty five percent efficient in their annual fuel use. In 1992 this regulation was changed to include the new gas boiler systems and they only have to be eighty percent effective at burning the fuel they use. That is right they are mandated to be twenty five percent more effective at using the fuel they are provided.
Simply put oil is more expensive than gas. You have to realize that in the past twenty five years many improvements have been made on all appliances and all appliances now use less fuel and burn fuels that are less dangerous to the environment. Gas does not harm the ozone layer as badly with the emissions that are produced as oil does. We are all responsible for what we are doing to the economy.
There are some government programs that will help you to defer the cost of installing the new energy efficient gas boiler systems. You should check into what government programs are available in your area to help you pay for the cost of converting your home over from oil to gas.
You need a professional installer to install the new system so that you know everything is working properly. The problem with gas is that when it is burned it can emit carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide gas is deadly. You have to know that the system you have is installed correctly and that it is not filling the air your family breathes with a deadly gas. So have the system professionally installed and every year have the professional return to do a systems check and all appropriate maintenance.
A Gas boiler is more cost efficient for you to use. You will want to have someone install and maintain the system for you so that the gas boiler is not putting carbon monoxide into your home.
