The debate heats up: Oil or natural gas?

Home heating companies in southwestern Connecticut are split on whether switching from oil to natural gas will save homeowners money. The current price of oil is about $3.29 a gallon, which equates to

News 12 Staff

Nov 9, 2007, 12:27 AM

Updated 6,043 days ago

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The debate heats up: Oil or natural gas?
Home heating companies in southwestern Connecticut are split on whether switching from oil to natural gas will save homeowners money.
The current price of oil is about $3.29 a gallon, which equates to $2.08 for the same unit of natural gas, according to the Southern Connecticut Gas Company. However, Santa Energy Services CEO Tom Santa said making the switch because of oil prices doesn't save in the long run.
"You might save a few hundred dollars, but you're not going to make up the cost of that conversion," Santa said. "The cost of the conversion is going to be several thousand dollars. It doesn't make sense to spend several thousand to save a few hundred."
Kevin Faillachi, of East Coast Heating and Air Conditioning, said natural gas is the way to go. "It's a cleaner fuel. It requires less maintenance and you don't have to rely on a company to deliver the oil," Faillachi said.
Whichever way the home is heated, Faillachi said there's just one guaranteed way to save.
"Whether you are using natural gas or oil, invest your money in reducing your consumption. That is going to be the best long-term investment you can make," he said.


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