When people see utility bills increasing they often consider switching from one resource to another. Most of the time, users will think about switching from oil to gas. However, State Utilities believes informed consumers will more than likely switch from gas to oil, once they learn these facts:
Price:
"Over the last twenty years, the costs for Oil heat and utility gas have tracked each other closely, with Oil heat being the better value for most of that time. One major difference between Oil heat and utility gas is that Oil heat is sold and delivered by independent distributors who must compete for your business by offering the best possible value and service. Utility gas is sold by large, monopolistic companies that are sheltered from intensive price competition." *
Safety:
"There are significant differences in the safety records of utility gas and Oil heat. Gas is volatile and has been cited as the cause of numerous explosions. Oil heat is stable and non-explosive. Both fuels are used safely in millions of households every day, but one clearly creates more risk than the other." *
Environment:
"Oil heat is a petroleum-based fuel that benefits from recent technological advances, like the introductions of Bioheat® and ultra-low-sulfur Oilheat. Utility gas is made up largely of methane, a greenhouse gas, which leaks into the atmosphere during production and distribution." *
Health:
"Oil heat is a stable liquid that poses no health threat to homeowners and their families. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-flammable - and biodegradable. Utility gas can escape into the home through any sized break in the system, no matter how small, creating the risk of fire or explosion." *
Supply:
"The United States is the world's largest consumer of the two major fossil fuels, petroleum and natural gas. In both cases the U.S. depends on imports to meet its needs, our leading supplier for both fuels is Canada. The U.S. maintains strategic reserves of both crude oil and heating oil to ensure continuous supply, but there are no strategic reserves of natural gas." *
Service:
"Utility gas distributors generally do not offer service for heating equipment. Customers pay the utility for their gas delivery and must make their own arrangements for maintenance and repairs. In fact, some gas utility Websites recommend finding a service company through the phone book. Most Oil heat dealers offer a full range of services beyond delivery, including routine maintenance, emergency repairs, energy audits, conservation advice and equipment installation. Caring for customers is a high priority for the independent Oil heat dealer." *
*Source: Energy Answers Today Website www.energyanswerstoday.com
To learn more call our office, 631-226-2380, or go to the Websites noted below for information about energy resources in the present and sustainable resources for the future:
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290 W Hoffman Avenue • Lindenhurst, NY 11757 • 631-226-2380
