Converting from oil to propane technology for your home can lower your energy consumption and carbon emissions. A high efficiency 95 percent AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) propane furnace is found to be less expensive to install and operate compared to a conventional 78 percent AFUE oil furnace. Almost 90 percent of propane in the US is domestically produced, so supplies are readily available and can easily be delivered to your home. Moreover, there are propane companies that can offer fair prices on propane when compared to other sources. However, there are certain factors to consider before you consider oil to propane conversion.
It is important to get in touch with a local propane supplier for a consultation. Look for a company that specializes in a wide range of propane services—from installation to repair and upgrades—so they can provide a solution that will make sense to your requirements. The company should be able to take care of the conversion, too, as well as filling up your propane tank for the first time.
Evaluate your reasons for wanting to convert to propane. Switching to propane may help reduce your carbon footprint by up to 50 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency found that propane-heating systems can generate up to 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases than electricity. For these reasons, propane is an approved alternative fuel that is recognized by the 1990 Clean Air Act. Switching to propane could make you eligible for federal tax incentives under the 2005 Energy Policy Act, too.
Look for a propane company that can provide different billing and payment options that suits your needs. A monthly payment plan can be created for an entire upcoming year, but it should be flexible and adjustable based on actual gas price and usage. This way, you do not have to worry about paying a fixed fee, even when propane prices have dropped for a particular time frame. There are propane companies that can convert oil to propane and provide an energy assistance plan based on your location.