When it comes to powering your life, electricity may be your OTP, but are you ready to move on to a new relationship? Should you choose natural gas, propane or heating oil? Tough question. Good thing we have the expertise to help you. To find out more about each candidate vying for your attention so that you can make an informed decision, read on!
Step 1: Determine your main selection criteria
You wouldn’t say “I do” to the first stranger you meet on your road, so follow suit with this decision. Do your homework and ask yourself the tough questions! Here are the main factors to consider:
1. Connection costs – Is your neighbourhood newly connected to the natural gas grid? Then the financial burden of connecting to the main pipeline will fall on your shoulders. Better hope the main pipeline isn’t too far from your home and your driveway isn’t miles long. 😉
2. The price of the fuel in question – Just because it’s cheap today doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow. Just think about how you feel when you fill up your car’s gas tank. Think ahead and avoid making decisions based on the short term.
3. Energy efficiency – Will you get value for your money or will you have to burn twice as much energy to achieve the same result?
4. Environmental impact – Are you concerned about the environment? Using or consuming an energy resource can have a negative impact on our ecosystem or pose a risk of potential contamination.
5. Supply – It isn’t enough to simply get connected. How complicated will it be to get the fuel you need?
6. Appliance conversion costs – How much does a gas stove cost? Will you have to completely rethink your cookware? Will you have to tear down an entire wall to accommodate a seemingly innocent little pipe? Be aware of what you’re getting into.
Step 2: Weighing the pros and cons
No two people have the same selection criteria and your tolerance threshold may vary in the face of the many irritants in this world. Get to know the qualities and shortcomings of your suitors and determine how much the respective pros and cons will weigh in the scales of your heart.
Natural gas
Like crude oil, natural gas is a product of decomposing organic matter that has been trapped in rock for more years than can be counted. It is the cleanest and least polluting form of combustion compared to other fossil fuels. However, its state makes it difficult to store on a small scale.
Propane
Propane is obtained by refining crude oil. As a result, their respective prices are closely linked. More expensive than natural gas, propane can nevertheless be stored in liquid form in pressurized individual tanks, which allows for greater autonomy. It is a relatively clean, but non-renewable source of energy.
Heating oil
Heating oil, a non-renewable resource and the world’s main source of energy, is the product of a very long decomposition process, also derived from the refining of crude oil. It is very expensive (two to three times more expensive than gas) and extracting it from the ground generates a lot of pollution and carries the risk of soil contamination.
COMPARISON TABLE
| NATURAL GAS | PROPANE | HEATING OIL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | |||
| Accessible | |||
| Clean | |||
| Most common uses |
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Step 3: Taking the first steps
Have you settled on a choice? Do you have any questions? Let us act as a matchmaker! When it comes to installing, inspecting, repairing or replacing gas or oil-burning appliances, we have the expertise and skill to turn your crush into a long-term love story!
