propane vs. oil vs electric heating options

joel_19

How much per gal is the propane ? Then do the math , where i am it is MORE than oil always has been always will . propane is Liquid petroleum it is made from oil . Ditto for electric , they burn oil and coal at aplant which is 35% eff to make the electric . those fuels will always be more than oil as they are derived from it and you have to pay for all those other steps and their inherent lack of efficency.

Scott Wueschinski

heating Choices (oil, propane, or electric)

I am buying a business and i need to replace the the 35 yr old oil boiler, i have a 2 yr old forced air blower for the ac, and a brand new oil tank. I know propane per gallon produces 98,000 btus but oil is 148,000 btus for the same one gallon. If i sign a 5 year lease with the propane co. they put it in for nothing and the tank is free too. Oil right now is 2.29 per gallon, but being locked in to propane is a delemia. If i dont like my oil provider i simply change.
It is a bicycle shop so it doesnt have to be home heating warm, just efficient, additionally i am going to blow insulatation in all of the outside walls when i reside the place with vinal siding to improve the R factor. i need a 120,000 btu heater and need to run hot water off of either the propane setup or with a condenser in the new oil boiler for the hot water. the building is 3500 sq ft with an attic and basement, free standing as well. Electric companys usually do a 50% discount on their rate if that is the only source of energy entering a property between the months of nov and march.

Comments which might be my best solution for this situation?
Pros vs. Cons of both and electric?

lchmb

You

You already said enough that would make up my mind. You have the new oil tank. Oil produces more BTU per gallon and your free to choose your supplier. One more thought, there is nothing free. They give the boiler away, generally you pay for the install btw, to lock you into gas. Once they have you..........

Joe Brix

That free LP tank will cost you

Locked into one dealer for 5 years and he can set any price? Look out! Doesn't sound like you need much hot water in a shop. Get a small cold start oil boiler with a small 20 gal indirect.