Which is the best to heat your home? Oil burner, electric, or gas?

[perez3758]

I ask different people and get different responses to this question. If I have a radiant floor heating by oil furnace (oil tank) but the tank needs repair, should I stick with oil tank or convert the furnace to an electric heated, or gas heated? Is one more energy efficient? And which is the least expensive? Thank you for your opinions.

[kengrubb]

Best is a very relative term.

Baseboard electric heat is probably the least expensive to install, but usually the most expensive to operate. I have baseboard electric so I know.

In terms of energy efficiency, a ground source heat pump is probably best.

[aandpdan]

It's not that easy but if gas is available, I'd use it. You can convert most oil burners over to gas.

1. No more deliveries.
2. No "oil" smell when refueling.
3. You don't need to service the boiler as often, they still do need service though.
4. They are very quiet, no noisy pump.
5. No risk of puff back.

If you do replace the boiler you may save some $ too. You can get gas boilers 95+ efficient.