These are all easily replaceable component parts.
I wonder if someone might be trying to sell you something. You definitely could save on your utility costs by switching fuel sources, but consider that you will be paying thousands of dollars to install a furnace, then add in the associated fuel-piping and exhaust systems.
Given the volatility in the commodity markets surrounding fossil fuels lately, who knows where we are headed?
Putting fuel-price issues aside, other than propane/gas, have you considered oil heat or a heat pump?
In the recent dark past, we were forced to take the BTU value of a particular fuel, divide and multiply by the BTU value, cost per fuel unit and efficiency of the particular appliance to come up with a meaningful apples-to-apples comparison.
Skipping math class entirely today, this and much more is available online at www.energyexperts.org and to a lesser extent at www.usepropane.com.
Multiple variables can be plugged in and the expenses computed. The answer to your particular situation will become much clearer.
Just in case you still want to do it the hard way with a pencil and a green lampshade:
Fuel values: Propane has 91,600 BTUs per gallon; oil, 144,000. To convert, 29.3 kilowatts of electricity is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs.
Efficiency: Eighty percent to 90 percent for oil, gas and propane furnaces; 100 percent for electric; and about 250-300 percent for heat pumps.
Fuel cost: Propane is all over the board, but presently averages about $1.90 a gallon; oil, same issue at about $2.10; electricity $.075 per kilowatt.
Call your supplier or consult your bill for more accurate info. Your mileage may vary.
Reader response update: Here are some of your comments about a recent article I wrote about my disappointment with compact fluorescent (CF) lights, from longevity and safety standpoints:
• I had much the same experience with those small fluorescents eight years ago. About a month after I moved in, one appeared to burn up, with smoke and smell. That made me decide to return to the much older incandescent fixtures. I replaced all six the next day.
• Regarding compact fluorescents: My son had two catch fire within a month. Ballasts melted down and dripped on the carpet and basement floor. Both were in open fixtures.
City Light was interested, but my son had removed all to the dump and did not keep any, nor their receipts. They were purchased about one year ago at Ikea.
The fire department didn't say that any homes in South Seattle had fires started from compact fluorescents, but also did not appear interested.
• I thought I was the only one who was experiencing those burnout problems. I've found that the fluorescents work well in rooms where they aren't used that much (negating the reason for why you switch to fluorescents) and also in outside fixtures (probably because the outside temperatures help to cool off the bulbs).
Other than that, I'm with you. The incandescents are a lot cheaper. You may pay a little bit more on your electricity bill, but at least you're not replacing them every few months with a costly fluorescent.
In fairness, I had many more people write to tell me how happy they are with their CFs. I will continue to follow this potential safety issue as more information becomes available.
Alternatively, external solar-powered lights have made a huge splash on the market lately. These low-powered lights work great for outlining driveway or garden edges. Equipped with little batteries, these lights recharge every day and illuminate at night.
I plan to purchase a set myself and see how they work during a typical dark Seattle winter. No wiring necessary, no power bill to pay, which sure got my attention. They have quite attractive prices as well.
Darrell Hay is a local home inspector. Call 206-464-8514 to record a question, |
