New furnace - gas or oil?

[Disney Ella]

We need to replace our 1936 oil burner with something more efficient. Has anyone done this recently? What made you choose either gas or oil?

 

[NCRedding]

We replaced our old oil furnace (not quite as old as yours) with a natural gas one two years ago. I went with gas because I was tired of the soot from the furnace and the smell when the oil was delivered--I hated waiting for the oil truck, etc. I understand that the newer oil furnaces are much more fuel efficient, but I had grown up with a gas furnace.

I love the way our furnace operates, everything is great, except for Piedmont natural Gas screwing around with our gas bill- I went from $82 per month for equal pay to $283 a month in 5 months. They have adjusted it back down to where it needs to be ($113) but I just didn't like they way they played with the rates.

They also made some changes in our duct work, and the placement of our vents, so now our house is toasty, where it used to have cold pockets

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know a lot depends on where you live as to what is more practical. I know here in the Midwest, it is virtually all gas, whereas you indicate northeast (not sure northeast what) and if theat is notheast in the country, I know oil is still a viable choice there from what I have read here.

 

[DISUNC]

Gas is supposedly cheaper & cleaner!
But I miss my OIL, much better heat!

 

[Disney Ella]

Thanks for your replies, everyone! NCRedding, we have some cold areas of house too. I wonder if gas would help. We're in New Jersey, across the river from Philadelphia. DISUNC, what exactly about oil was better?

 

[lsyorke]

I had gas in my previous house(I'm in Jersey), now I have oil and LOVE it! Great service by the oil company(try calling the gas company with a problem!) and my oil delivery is automatic.. no one has to be home. I would not go back to gas....oil is cheaper for us.

 

[monkeyboy]

I have never run out of gas