Boilers: Propane or Oil?

Find out whether to use propane or oil to power your boiler. Get tips on how to get the best out of your boiler for the money.

LESLIE: Heading over to New York to chat with Dan about a boiler. What can we do for you today?

DAN: Hi. How are you?

LESLIE: Good, and you?

DAN: Well, not too good. I need a new boiler.

LESLIE: Uh-oh.

TOM: OK.

DAN: And right now I have oil heat but I have a propane hot water heater.

TOM: OK.

DAN: I was thinking that since I’m going to change over anyhow, should I go totally to propane? And I was wondering what your opinion might be, you know, with the cost of oil; whether I should go completely to propane or is there some site I can go to, to compare prices with …

TOM: Is natural gas not an option for you, Dan?

DAN: No, it’s not in the area. No.

TOM: You’re sure about that? Nothing’s changed?

DAN: Yeah, I called the local gas company and they said there are no lines in that area.

TOM: OK. Alright. Well, you know, I think that oil and propane are going to be comparatively priced. The good news about the fact that you need a boiler is that they’ve never been more efficient and you’ll be able to purchase one now that’s like super-efficient and use a lot less oil. But I’m not sure that it would be a good idea to put all of your apples in the propane basket, if you have an option.

DAN: OK. Alright. Well, I appreciate your opinion.

TOM: Alright, Dan. Well, good luck with that project. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.