Which heating solution should you choose: Oil, propane or wood?

Do you have an upcoming construction or renovation project? A new home or a pretty country cottage? Which type of heating is most suitable to keep you nice and warm during the long winter months?

There are several factors to consider when the time comes to choose a good heating system: cost, efficiency, environmental impact, ease of use and more. The first step is to clearly identify your needs. The second step is to explore the available options!

In the country of cold, heating is king!

In Quebec, there are numerous options in terms of residential and commercial heating, including electric, oil, propane, gas, heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar heating. There’s no shortage of choices!

In this article, however, we’re going to focus on the differences between oil, propane and wood heating. So here’s some useful advice to help point you in the right direction!

Wood heating

People love wood heating for the warm, welcoming atmosphere it creates. Smelling the wood, hearing it crackle as it burns and letting yourself be hypnotized by the flames are some of the little pleasures of wood heating. On the other hand, we often forget that this type of heating dries out the air in the home, it’s much more difficult to control the temperature, and not all cities permit wood-burning stoves. What’s more, you should know that, when you choose this type of heating, you must make sure you have enough room to store all the wood you’ll need during the winter season.

Heating with wood enables you to achieve energy efficiency of more than 90 percent. More economical than electricity, wood represents the least expensive fuel. However, if you opt for wood heating, be sure to find out if there are any regulations you must observe. Because of the environmental impact of this type of heating solution, certain municipalities impose restrictions (auxiliary heating only, bans on the use of stoves or fireplaces more than three years old, etc.). Therefore, it’s essential for you to be well informed!

You should also be aware that there are alternatives when the time comes to replace your wood heating system. They’re well worth evaluating.

Oil heating

Oil and fuel oil are safe, clean sources of energy for heating. Thanks to technological advances, today’s equipment offers a 92-percent efficiency rate. When you choose oil as a source of heating fuel, you’re guaranteed consistent heat. In fact, an oil-burning system will heat your home two times faster than natural gas and five times faster than electricity.

Additionally, fuel oil tanks, which are made of steel, fiberglass and polyethylene, are easy to fill and are equipped with a gauge so that you can track your consumption and schedule a refill in advance, before you run out.

Please note that, if you choose oil heating, the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ) requires having it installed and maintained by a specialized contractor.

Propane heating

Highly economical, propane is an excellent heating alternative to electricity and wood. Propane gas, which offers superior performance to other energy sources without giving off any particulate matter, is widely acknowledged for its environmentally friendly properties. Supply is also quick and simple. What’s more, you’ll never have to worry about power outages, as propane equipment functions without the need of any electrical hookups.

Economical: for heating water, propane is only half as expensive as electricity.

Safe: the flash point of propane is much higher than that of other fuels.

Accessible: propane is available in large quantities no matter where you are, and its transport is facilitated by its increased shelf life.

Easy to use: an automated system can make your life much easier!

Do you need advice from a heating specialist?

Pétrole et Propane Bélanger offers you courteous, professional service at all times.