As oil prices have skyrocketed in recent years, many homeowners are thinking about switching their oil heating systems for something more affordable. Below, we’ll look at how effective it is to switch from oil heat to ductless for energy and cost savings. We’ll also look at how higher oil prices affect ductless heating so that you can choose the right heating system for your home.
How do Increased Oil Prices Affect Homeowners?
You might not realize how much the increase in oil prices over the years impacts your daily spending. As oil gets more expensive, heating your home with an oil heating system gets more and more costly. Due to a variety of factors limiting oil imports and reducing the availability of oil, heating a home with oil may not be a cost-effective solution anymore.
Oil companies are now struggling to counter the increased cost of importing oil while still keeping up with the demand. However, the increased cost result in higher prices for oil deliveries, which can lead homeowners and other businesses to find more affordable alternatives in the long run.
What is Affecting Oil Prices?
There are a lot of factors playing into the rise in oil prices. In recent years some of the biggest influences on this increase in oil prices are the war ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This war has caused a shortage of oil, bans on oil imports, and other factors that limit the ability of oil companies to meet the demand of their customers. The bans on oil imports have led to other suppliers increasing their prices, which strong-arms the oil companies who cannot use their primary suppliers to pay the increased cost in order to be able to meet demand.
This increased cost to the oil companies directly from their suppliers results in an increase in the overall price of oil. Additionally, because of the increased cost, some oil companies are losing customers to more budget-friendly options for long-term heating, like ductless mini-splits or heat pumps. This loss of customers can lead to even higher prices as the oil companies try to make up for lost revenue.
Is it Worth it to Switch to Ductless Heating?
Ductless heat pumps are an excellent way to heat your home in the winter without having to worry about the rising cost of oil. Ductless mini-splits operate on an electric heat pump system, so they don’t require oil or propane in order to provide your home with perfectly heated air.
Although switching your home over to a ductless heating system might be an expensive project, it can be worth it in the long run. Ductless heating is energy-efficient, and most systems offer heating and cooling capabilities. This versatility makes them an excellent alternative to oil heating systems.
If you’re not ready to completely give up on your oil heating system, adding a few ductless heat pumps throughout your home can help to lower your energy bills. If you have a room that stays cold in the winter, no matter how high you turn up the thermostat, a single-zone ductless heat pump can help you to keep your thermostat lower while keeping that room comfortable.
Are Ductless Mini-Splits More Energy-Efficient?
In most cases, yes. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are often more energy efficient than other heating systems. However, it depends a little on the outdoor temperatures. So, if you’re looking for maximum efficiency no matter what the weather may do, having a hybrid system might be more energy efficient for your home.
Natural gas is known for being one of the most energy-efficient ways to keep your home warm in the winter. However, natural gas heating systems still have to pump heat through the ductwork to provide it to the rooms in your home. Energy is lost in the ductwork, even in high-efficiency forced air systems.
Ductless heating systems do not lose energy or heat in the ductwork because there is no ductwork used. This helps the heat pump generate more warm air without losing energy while getting it into the places you need it most.
Additionally, ductless heating systems are great for cold temperatures, with some Hyper-Heating models being functional up to -13 degrees. Talk to your comfort specialist about which ductless heating options are the best for your home.
Is a Ductless System Right for You?
If you’re tired of overpaying for your oil heating system, it might be time to make a switch! Whether you’re looking for a complete overhaul of your home’s heating and cooling system or an upgrade to help you lower your energy bills throughout the year, ductless heating is the way to go.
At New England Ductless, we’ll work with you to design the perfect system for your home’s year-round comfort. Contact us today.