Getting the best furnace for your home means considering the fuel source, efficiency rating, and long-term cost. Winters on Long Island require consistent high-output heating, usually from late October until early May. Choosing a system that delivers consistent heat at a reasonable cost is crucial.
The “best” furnace for you will depend largely on your unique needs, but in most cases, a high-efficiency natural gas furnace will offer the best balance of cost and performance.
Fuel Sources Available for Home Heating in Suffolk County
Fuel-based furnaces in Suffolk County are powered by one of three popular fuels:
- Natural Gas: Natural gas is the preferred fuel source whenever it is available. There’s no need for on-site storage or scheduled deliveries. It burns clean and is energy-dense, making it efficient for home heating.
- Heating Oil: This is common in older Suffolk County homes, especially in areas developed before natural gas lines were laid. Oil furnaces require on-site storage, usually in the basement or underground. Modern furnaces use a special blend of fuel oil designed to reduce emissions.
- Propane: Popular for homes without gas mains access, propane is efficient but requires on-site storage and scheduled delivery to keep your supply topped up.
Which Fuel Source Has the Lowest Heating Costs on Long Island?
The difference between furnace types is the most important factor when considering a home heating upgrade. Natural gas is significantly more affordable than propane or heating oil, and it’s more convenient because it’s piped into the home with a continuous supply.
If you need to convert or install a new furnace, the cost difference is significant:
- Natural Gas is widely available, and prices are only moderately volatile. You will have the lowest average annual heating bills when using natural gas for heating.
- Heating Oil and Propane are more expensive when comparing cost per thermal unit, and they have a higher price volatility. Heating costs could be as much as 2 – 3 times higher than natural gas during winter.
The cost to convert to natural gas is higher than upgrading a heating oil or propane furnace, but the long-term savings make the investment worth it. You can dramatically reduce your monthly energy spending with an efficient natural gas furnace.
What AFUE Do I Need for Long Island Winters?
AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures how much fuel is converted into usable energy.
- The recommended AFUE for natural gas is 90% or higher. Modern furnaces use a second heat exchanger to capture heat from exhaust gases and minimize waste.
- Oil furnaces can also be quite efficient. Most operate at around 80% efficiency, but modern condensing oil furnaces can reach up to 95% AFUE. If you can’t convert away from fuel oil, you can ensure that your next furnace has a high efficiency rating to minimize costs.
Is it Worth Converting from Propane or Heating Oil to Natural Gas?
It’s usually worth converting to natural gas for the efficiency improvements, but there are some key factors to consider.
- Does your home have a gas line? If it doesn’t, you will incur additional costs for a new hook-up.
- Conversion includes the cost of a new furnace, the installation, and a potential modification to the venting system. The upfront cost will be higher than buying a new oil furnace, but you can recover the money spent by saving more over time. A conversion can often pay for itself in savings within about 7 years.
- You will need to have your old oil tank removed at your own cost. This must be factored into the total budget.
Soundview HVAC is the most experienced heating and cooling contractor in Suffolk County. We are available for furnace installations and oil-to-gas conversions. We will explore all the potential options within your budget and provide detailed information (including potential savings) to help you choose the best system for your home.
You may qualify for rebates on a high-efficiency gas furnace. We can help you determine which potential rebates and incentive programs are available to you.
Winter is right around the corner, so if you’re due for a new furnace, it’s time to get started. Contact Soundview Heat and Air Conditioning today at 631-209-1744 or request a consultation here. We will make sure you get the best heating possible for your budget.
