The residence is in Maine and we don't have natural gas yet. What would be the most reliable system.
There is no doubt that fuel oil is cheaper to run. Propane units cost less to install though, and they have better reliability in the long run.
Probably propane. Oil is expensive (just look at the price of gas) and its price fluctuates every time a bullet whizzes over a refinery in Iraq. Stick with propane. I believe it burns cleaner, as well.
Hi - We recently converted to electric to oil. The analysis takes a little math. Basically, to compare you need to find out how much it will cost to produce an equivilent amount of heat from each source. Doing a google search: Propane = 93,000 BTU per gallon (~85% efficient) Electric = 3140 BTU per Kilowatt hour (100%efficient) Oil = 123,000 BTU per gallon (~85% efficient) You also have to factor in the efficiency of your boiler. If you get a 85% efficient oil boiler, that means you get 123,000*.85 BTU per gallon. Depending on how long you will live there, it pays to get the higher efficiency models. So the last step is to get the cost per gallon for oil and propane in your area. Check around - prepaying allows you to lock in lower rates in our area. So for example if oil is $2.25 a gallon and propane is $2.00 a gallon, you would get the following: Oil BTU/$ = 123000*.85/2.25 = 46,500 BTU/$ Propane BTU/$ = 93000*.85/2.00 = 39.500 BTU/$ In this example Oil is the better option because you get more heat per dollar. Prices are cyclical too - don't assume natural gas would be cheaper. When we converted oil was cheaper because we could shop around for the best delivery deal by prepaying while there are no alternatives for gas except the local gas company. Good luck.
The newer oil fired systems of today are the best.
As far as efficiency the math says oil but take my advice and STAY AWAY!!! In my experience repairing these units you will spend every last dime you saved on fuel in keeping the unit running.
