Written on: January 13, 2025
We’re well into the winter season in Suffolk County. How is your heating equipment holding up?
A furnace or boiler may serve you well for 15 or even 20 years. Still, once it’s been running for over a decade, your heating system might be losing some of its energy efficiency (especially if it’s not receiving regular maintenance). You might also start noticing some cool spots in your home or need to contact us for heating repairs more often. Soon, it might be time to replace your equipment.
At Swezey Fuel, we install and service heating equipment powered by oil and gas. Here are some variables to consider when choosing your next heating system.
When upgrading your home’s heating system, the top priority should always be ensuring it keeps your family warm and safe during the coldest days of the year. Today, homeowners can choose from three main heating options:
However, please bear in mind that not all energy sources produce the same amount of heat. Here’s a general rundown from the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
| Energy Source | Heat Generation in British thermal units (Btu) |
|---|---|
| Heating Oil | 1 gallon = 138,500 Btu |
| Natural Gas | 1 therm = 100,000 Btu |
| Electricity | 1 kilowatt-hour = 3,412 Btu |
The calculations of whether switching energy sources will improve your comfort and save you money can be complicated. The Swezey team can help you make the determination.
Deciding between a furnace and a boiler largely depends on your home’s existing heating system — whether it uses ducts, radiators, baseboards or another method to distribute warmth. Switching from a boiler to a furnace (or vice versa) often requires significant modifications to your home, which can be both complex and costly.
Recently, heat pumps have gained attention as an alternative to traditional heating systems. While they offer several advantages, they also come with a notable limitation: during prolonged freezing temperatures, heat pumps may struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. For this reason, many homeowners opt to keep a gas or oil heating system as a backup to ensure reliable warmth in extreme winter conditions.
Here is where you can really start to see cost savings for many years to come. Modern high-efficiency oil and gas boilers and furnaces boast fuel efficiency ratings exceeding 90%, ensuring minimal heat loss during combustion. This not only enhances your home’s comfort but also benefits your wallet. Upgrading to one of these systems can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs, often cutting them by 20% or more.
If it’s time to replace an aging and struggling heating system in Sayville or elsewhere in Eastern Long Island, then Swezey Fuel is at your disposal. We’ll talk to you about your current system, your home comfort concerns and your budget. With this information, we can help you find the best heating product, install it safely, and maintain it for many years to ensure the best fuel efficiency and cozy comfort.
Let’s get started finding the best heating equipment for your home and family. Contact us for a free estimate.