A Northeast homeowner staring down a $4,000 oil tank replacement has sparked a familiar debate. On the r/hvacadvice subreddit, they weighed sticking with fuel oil, switching to propane, or using the moment to rethink the entire heating system.
Here's what to know
Facing a tank replacement, the owner of a 1,300-square-foot home built in 1901 went to Reddit to weigh the costs of sticking with oil versus changing course.
The homeowner said the house is heated by a forced-air oil furnace, that natural gas is not available in the area, and that replacement estimates for the tank were coming in at "at least $4,000." They asked whether propane might make more financial sense.
One commenter wrote: "Another option if your AC is going to be due for replacement would be to do a dual fuel system. Heat pump runs on mild days when it would be more efficient, propane for the colder days."
For homeowners considering that type of upgrade, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
More background
Much of the hesitation around a heat pump was anecdotal. The homeowner said people they know complain that heat pumps can struggle when temperatures fall below zero and may send power bills higher.
"The people you know with heat pumps either don't have cold weather rated units or are just really.undersized," a user countered.
"I do not have AC," the OP conceded. "That would be one upside of a heat pump for sure."
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
Throughout the thread, dual-fuel systems kept coming up, with commenters describing a setup where a heat pump covers milder weather and a propane furnace takes over in severe cold.
"Heat pumps are A Lot better than they used to be ...it's worth checking out the newer stuff," a user said.
What can be done?
The first step is to get multiple quotes that compare all realistic options. The key is to make those quotes truly comparable by looking at efficiency ratings, installation costs, and expected operating costs.
Palmetto can help with that process, too. Through Palmetto's Comfort Plan network, homeowners can explore efficient HVAC and heat pump options, and if you're not ready to spend up front, the Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans include 12 years of free maintenance.
Homeowners who choose more electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, may be able to reduce costs even further by pairing them with solar panels. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations.
Where can I learn more?
If you're facing the same oil-versus-propane-versus-heat-pump decision, these homeowners ran into many of the same trade-offs.
• A Minnesota homeowner liked the sub-zero heat pump data but still wanted propane backup.
• New Massachusetts homeowners learned their 1950s oil system could cost more than a heat pump.
• In central New Jersey, $15K to $20K HVAC quotes pushed homeowners to question heat pumps.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
