Which is the right home heating fuel for you?
The Mirabito team has been serving households in the Northeastern U.S. since 1927. We know a thing or two about staying warm during our icy, often unrelenting, winters. In our near-century of doing business in the Finger Lakes, Central and Western New York, Eastern Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont, we’ve delivered an evolving selection of heating fuels.
Today, some of our most popular home energy products are heating oil, kerosene and propane. In this article, we’ll discuss which option is best for your home
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What Are Heating Oil and Kerosene?
Heating oil is an extremely safe home fuel. In its liquid form, it cannot explode. An oil burner needs to vaporize heating oil at extremely high temperatures to make it combust.
Heating oil generates nearly 140,000 Btu of heat energy per gallon. That’s just about the most heat you can get from a home fuel. This fuel powers furnaces, boilers and water heating systems. And our heating oil is more efficient and eco-friendly than ever before. Mirabito Energy Products delivers Bioheat® fuel, a blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and renewable biodiesel. Bioheat fuel requires no changes to your equipment, and it slashes emissions of CO2, SOx, mercury and particulate matter. Plus, it reduces wear and tear on your heating system, saving you money on maintenance and service!
Heating oil typically must be stored in an oil tank located inside your home. This fuel shouldn’t be exposed to extreme cold because it can “gel” or thicken into a waxy substance, leading to service issues with your heating equipment. If you have an outdoor tank (or a mobile home), you may be better off with kerosene or a kerosene-heating oil blend. Kerosene is an oil distillate with a much lower “gel” point.
How Does Propane Compare to Heating Oil?
Propane is a liquified petroleum gas that is stored under pressure in an outdoor propane tank. When your heating system or gas appliance needs fuel, pressure is relieved in the tank, and the propane travels as a gas to the burner.
Most Mirabito propane customers lease their propane tanks from us. We handle the installation and safety testing and perform maintenance for a hassle-free experience.
As a predominately U.S.-made fuel, propane usually has a lower, more stable price than fuels that rely more heavily on foreign energy markets. The propane systems we install are highly efficient, often exceeding 90% fuel efficiency ratings. This gives you dependable home heat using less energy. Propane systems also require less upkeep than oil-based systems, saving you even more.
And don’t worry about your carbon footprint. Propane is environmentally friendly, with a low carbon intensity, zero methane and virtually no particulate emissions.
Finally, propane is versatile, powering heating systems and a variety of household appliances like stoves, dryers, gas logs and standby generators.
Talk to Mirabito About Your Home Heating Fuel Options.
Are you considering an upgrade to your home heating equipment? You have many options to choose from these days, and the right choice depends on your unique circumstances. The energy experts at Mirabito can help you make the best choice for your home and budget. Getting you the best, most affordable home comfort is our top priority.
Contact the Mirabito team today to discuss your home heating options.