Choosing the right fuel is essential to making the best investment in a heating system.

Over a span of 20 years, you will probably spend 5 to 10 times more on fuel than you will spend on your investment in the system. That’s why it’s smart to heavily weight fuel choice in your evaluation of the heating options available to you. Wood pellets are proving to be a great alternative to fossil fuels. They’re consistently selling at a 30-50% discount to heating oil and propane (LP-gas), are produced here in North America, and are readily available.

Conservation is important too

In addition to looking at fuels, it may also be worthwhile to consider looking at your current heating system to see if structural changes are in order. Piping, radiators, tanks, circulators and controls should be evaluated for energy waste. Many homeowners and businesses have heating systems that were designed and installed twenty, fifty, even one hundred years ago. From a heating perspective, these systems were created in an entirely different era, and despite continuing to function, they are not as efficient as a heating system should be in this new era of heating. Old steam systems, and uninsulated copper tubing are two of the most common energy-wasting issues you may encounter, though an energy audit might well pick up some other issues.

You’ll find a description of several fuels and technologies, along with their pros and cons at the links to the left. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.