from Amy in Verona, WI:
#959
Is there any advantage to changing to propane heating or electric heat versus keeping a fuel oil furnace for a 39 year old home in the country in Dane County where natural gas isn't available?
Propane is preferred by most Wisconsin residents.
Propane is preferred by most Wisconsin residents because it provides a reasonable upfront cost and operational cost.
Most propane furnaces are more efficient than oil and propane is usually less expensive per unit of heat (btu). Electric resistance heat is least expensive to install, but will typically be the most expensive to operate. I would not recommend electric resistance heat. Instead use an air source heat pump in combination with a propane or oil furnace to maximize the cost effectiveness of a system.
Other options include a ground source (geothermal) heat pump or electric thermal storage. If it is sized and installed properly, the ground source heat pump will be the least expensive to operate but the installation cost and requirements for the ground loop are substantial. An electric thermal storage system may be something to consider too, if off-peak pricing is available from your electric utility.
Published Thursday, January 27, 2011