Gene Thomas

This is an update to my last post. Since Dec 1, 2008, the cost of NO.2 heating oil has dropped dramatically. As of Dec 12, 2008, we are now purchasing NO.2 heating oil in southern Maine for as low as $1.89 per gallon. Based on this price for NO.2 oil, using an 83% efficient furnace or boiler, it will cost you $16.43 per million BTUs of output. If you burn propane at $2.85 per gallon, it will cost you $37.49 per million BTUs of output, or more than twice the cost of NO.2 oil.

Hope this helps
Gene Thomas
gdlt@pivot.net - Sat Dec 13 2008, 15:25

British thermal units (BTUs) is the measure of heat. Residential grade oil (NO.2) provides 138,600 BTUs per gallon. Propane only provides 91,600 BTUs per gallon. Anotherwords, propane only provides 66% of the heating BTUs as NO.2 oil. The current price for No.2 oil in Maine, as of Dec 1, 2008, is about $2.70 per gallon, and current price for propane is in Maine is about $2.85 per gallon. Assuming that there are two furnaces, one that burns oil and one that burns propane, and they are both 83% efficient. If you burned NO.2 oil, it would cost you $23.47 for every million BTUs of output. If you burned propane, it would cost you $37.49 for every million BTUs of output. Fuel doesn't necessarily burn more efficiently, but one boiler or furnace can be more efficient than another, based on its construction and how it burns the fuel. Some gas furnaces, such as condensing types, are as nuch as 93% efficient. One good way to save fuel, whether you burn oil or propane, is to get the most efficient unit as possible.

Hope this helps
Gene Thomas
gdlt@pivot.net - Sun Dec 7 2008, 18:56