from Larry in Fond du Lac, WI:
#939
I am planning to get a new furnace, which is better gas or oil? If I go with gas do I have to pay my utility to bring a gas line to my house? The gas main is across the road.
Natural gas is preferred by most Wisconsin residents.
Natural gas and oil can both be used effectively to heat your home. Natural gas is preferred by most Wisconsin residents because it tends to cost less to operate and is more price stable than oil. Natural gas furnaces tend to be more efficient than oil, but there are oil furnaces available with AFUEs approaching 95%, and natural gas is less expensive per unit of heat (btu) than oil.
Most natural gas companies will pay for part of the installation of the gas line (usually a specific number of feet) and you will need to pay for the remainder. I would recommend contacting your utility regarding the cost and application process, then work with your contractor to fill out the application and site drawing and schedule the work.
Published Wednesday, January 26, 2011