The cry against heating oil has caused myths about this fuel to surface. They all point the finger at heating oil as an inefficient source of fuel, expensive, and non-renewable. Here are the facts about this popular form of energy which should help provide readers with a balanced perspective.
The Expense Of Heating Oil
Is this fuel becoming more costly to Americans? Let’s look at costs and savings to individuals and to the economy as a whole. First of all, prices have dropped in the last 35 years, not risen. You are paying less now for heating oil than your parents paid.
Secondly, the US economy benefits from the oil industry. Contrary to general belief, the biggest source is America itself with 15% originating in Canada, Mexico, and other countries. This provides the United States’ employable population with nearly 50,000 jobs at the minimum-wage level right up to engineers. Many of those currently employed by the industry will vacate jobs in the near future upon their retirement, resulting in new employment opportunities for today’s high school and university students.
Underlying Costs
It’s thought by numerous householders that other forms of fuel are far more efficient and cleaner than heating oil: natural gas and electricity, for example. Heating system were less efficient in the 1980s and 90s, but technological advances have created machines that are now up to 94% efficient. A well-maintained system also runs cleanly, so emissions are reduced if residents and business owners have professionals who maintain their boilers and furnaces.
Oil is not the dirty fuel of forty years ago either. Emissions have been greatly reduced and the industry aims to create emission-free heating systems soon. Experts have also created a product known as “Bioheat” which is partially renewable and reduces emissions still further while creating even more jobs in the domestic United States.
Safety Concerns
A lot of people think that if you drop a match onto a puddle of oil it will ignite. Actually, heating oil will suffocate the flame. Only oil heated into vapor will ignite and cause a fire or explosion.
That’s why it is perfectly safe to keep oil in your home, in a tank. Moreover, by choosing heating oil as your household energy source, you are cut off from problems associated with natural gas and electricity: broken lines and interrupted supply, for instance. The only danger is that all your neighbors will want to stay with you during a power outage in the middle of a snow storm.
Better Home Heat Council concentrates on educating consumers about the economical and efficient use of oil heat. We also help consumers address energy efficiency issues within their homes and find solutions to make their homes more energy efficient. We support local oil companies of Lehigh Valley that provide a range of services and products. Click here to search for a home heating oil supplier in your area. Many of our oil dealers provide energy consultations for their customers.