oil heat vs. gas heat

Nelski

My fiance is looking into buying a house and many of them in our area have oil heat. This is very new to me because I did not have that as an option when I lived in Chicago. Any information or opinions anyone can give me on which better would be much appreciated. Which one do you think is cheaper?
Thanks!

erickirb

Gas is typically better. Oil has to be delivered to your house by a truck, is more expensive, and has a lower efficiency rating. Oil furnaces can go up to 89% efficient while gas can go as high at 95%. With oil you have to replace the oil tank every 10-12 years for insurance purposes. My current and last house both have oil heat but I am considering the switch to natural gas as I have to replace my furnace soon anyway.

RoadDog

Gas is much more efficient and less expensive.

Nelski

bump