Understanding Types of Heating Fuel

Last month, we looked at the pros and cons of various heating systems. Today, we’re going to look at the pros and cons of the fuel that runs those systems and heats your house!

Oil 

Heating oil is still the most commonly used heat source in Nova Scotia with the latest information estimating just over 50% of households using oil to heat their homes. While oil prices have gone up over the years, oil heat continues to be a frequently used heating fuel because of its efficiency. 

Pros

  1. Oil heating systems can reach up to 90% efficiency.
  2. Oil heating systems are often cheaper to purchase.
  3. Oil works well in boiler systems which create a lot of heat that is more efficiently dispersed and are quieter than other systems.
  4. Oil heating systems often last longer than other systems, with a lifespan of over 25 years.

Cons

  1. Oil can be more expensive, especially during a cold snap when you use more fuel.
  2. Price of oil can vary and changes can make it harder to adhere to a strict budget.

Electricity

Electric heating is the second most common heating fuel in Nova Scotia with approximately 30% of households using an electric system. Electric heat can be a cheaper alternative to oil heating systems, particularly if you use a heat pump, but the efficiency doesn’t compare. However, if you’re interested in having air conditioning as well as heat some electric systems can offer you both. 

Pros

  1. Cheaper depending on the system you use.
  2. Some systems can also offer air conditioning. 

Cons

  1. Not as efficient. Electric heating systems don’t provide as much heat or disperse it as efficiently. So if you like a very warm house in the winter your costs may end up being more than anticipated despite the cheaper initial cost.

Gas

The use of gas heating systems is slowly increasing in Canada, though they are not a common system in Nova Scotia. If you are considering using gas you’ll find the cost quite attractive and the space needed to install a unit is very small, with some units compact enough to hang on a wall. But again the efficiency doesn’t compare with oil heating systems. 

Pros

  1. Cheaper fuel cost.
  2. Doesn’t take up much space.

Cons

  1. Not very efficient, may take more fuel to get the same amount of heat as with an oil system.
  2. Not as safe. You’ll want to be careful of gas leaks. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

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West Nova Fuels Bridgewater

96 White Pine Drive
Wileville, Nova Scotia
B4V 9J6
902-543-2594
1-888-543-2594
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Propane Bridgewater

65 MacCulloch Rd
Cookville, Nova Scotia
B4V 7P1
902-530-3150
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

Commercial Lubricants

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
1-888-659-5823

West Nova Fuels Digby

218 Victoria Street
Digby, Nova Scotia
B0V 1A0
902-245-2202
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

Superline Fuels Halifax

3451 Barrington St
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 2X8
902-429-0740
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Propane - Kentville

909 Park St
Kentville, Nova Scotia
B4N 5H3
902-679-8800
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Lunenburg

73 Falkland St
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
B0J 2C0
902-634-3835
1-800-561-3835
Burner Service: 902-634-4700
Chester: 902-275-4775
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

Superline Fuels Parrsboro

3306 Highway 2
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
B0M 1S0
902-254-3019
Springhill: 902-763-3303
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Port Williams

28 Highway 358 Greenwich
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
B4P 2R2
902-542-3318
Hantsport: 902-684-3324
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Shelburne

91 Falls Lane Rd.
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
B0T 1W0
902-875-3711
Propane: 902-530-3150
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

Superline Fuels Truro

208 Industrial Ave
Truro, Nova Scotia
B2N 6V4
902-893-7105
North Shore: 902-548-2991
Springhill: 902-763-3303
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Wilmot

RR2; 15048 Highway 1
Kingston, Nova Scotia
B0P 1R0
902-765-2769
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Windsor

6006 Highway 14,
Garlands Crossing
Windsor, Nova Scotia
B0N 2T0
902-798-1118
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Woods Harbour

20 Falls Point Rd
Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia
B0W 2E0
902-723-2455
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

West Nova Fuels Yarmouth

211 Water St
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
B5A 1L9
902-742-5450
Open: 8am – 4:30pm

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