Let us plan and install a heating system that fits your needs
Is your heating system close to 20 years old and not operating as efficiently as you’d like? It may be time to replace your boiler and/or furnace. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing heating system or build a new home, an M.W. Sewall Energy Advisor can help you make the right decision which could save you thousands of dollars over the years.
What Our customers say:
“We are so pleased with the level of service that we receive from M.W. Sewall. Technician Dana is outstanding and has serviced our system for a few years. Yesterday, in a blinding blowing snow storm, Dana showed up for a service call because we were without hot water.”
– Jim B.
Thinking of upgrading your heating system? Here are 5 reasons to upgrade from heating oil to propane.
1. Comfort & Control
Oil furnaces are like a light switch – they’re either all on or all off. Propane furnaces, on the other hand, can operate like a dimmer switch, with features that control the temperature very close to the set point. That feature is particularly effective for homes with zoning where only one part of the house requires heat.
2. Versatility
Unlike many oil furnaces, gas furnaces are generally air conditioner–ready, and most can easily be paired with indoor air quality products such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air cleaners. Propane itself also offers the flexibility of fueling other appliances in the home such as cooktops, clothes dryers and outdoor kitchens, pool heaters and lighting. When homeowners want to upgrade their clothes dryer or kitchen range to gas, or add a standby generator or pool heater, they’ll already have the propane systems in place to fuel those amenities.
3. Easy Installation
Oil furnaces are typically vented through the chimney which can be a problem in older homes where furnace exhaust has deteriorated the chimney’s liner or if the chimney is starting to lean. Condensing propane furnaces can be vented through the side wall with inexpensive PVC pipe. Gas furnaces can also be installed in virtually any direction, making it easier for dealers and installers to stock just a few models.
4. No Electrical Upgrades
Gas furnaces use the same voltage as oil furnaces, so there’s no need to upgrade a home’s electrical panel or generator. Switching to a heat pump, by comparison, in most cases requires a new 200-amp panel, which could cost thousands of dollars to upgrade.
5. Maintenance & Warranty
Today’s gas furnaces are robust. Many use stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers to improve reliability and offer a lifetime warranty on the heat exchangers. When presented to a consumer who’s having to schedule regular maintenance on their oil furnace, it can be a pretty enticing proposition. That’s especially true when that low-maintenance upgrade is coupled with the energy savings of a high-efficiency unit and the comfort of precise warmth.
You may qualify for an upgrade loan through Efficiency Maine.
