Oil vs. Propane Heat: Which Is Better for New Hampshire Homes?
- Jim Johnson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
🏡 Oil vs. Propane Heat: Which Is Better for New Hampshire Homes?
New Hampshire homeowners rely heavily on oil and propane heating, especially in rural areas where natural gas isn’t available. Both fuels can heat a home effectively, but each has different costs, efficiency levels, and maintenance requirements.
Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners should consider when comparing oil vs. propane.
⭐ Heating Oil: How It Works in NH
Oil heating uses a furnace or boiler to produce heat by burning fuel oil.
It’s extremely common in older NH homes.
Pros:
✔ Hot, powerful heat
✔ Works well in below-zero temperatures
✔ Long-lasting equipment
✔ Often cheaper to replace systems
Cons:
✘ Requires a fuel tank (indoor, basement, or outside)
✘ Fuel prices fluctuate
✘ Boilers/furnaces need regular cleaning
✘ Can produce soot if not maintained
Oil is reliable and strong but requires consistent servicing.
⭐ Propane Heat: How It Works in NH
Propane is stored in an outdoor tank and used for heating, hot water, cooking, and sometimes fireplaces.
Pros:
✔ Cleaner and more efficient than oil
✔ Less maintenance
✔ Can power multiple home systems
✔ Works well with high-efficiency furnaces
✔ No soot or strong odors
Cons:
✘ Requires a large tank on the property
✘ Prices vary by supplier
✘ Tanks may need to be owned or leased
Propane is popular in newer NH homes and rural builds.
⭐ Which Is Cheaper in NH?
Costs vary year to year, but generally:
✔ Oil systems often cost less to install
✔ Propane systems often cost less to operate
High-efficiency propane furnaces can significantly reduce energy bills in modern homes.
⭐ Which Is More Efficient?
Propane usually wins here:
✔ Propane furnaces can reach 95%+ efficiency
✔ Oil systems range from 80–90% efficiency
However, oil’s heat output feels hotter and faster, which many NH homeowners prefer during extremely cold months.
⭐ Which Is Better for NH Winters?
Both perform well, but differences include:
✔ Oil: hotter, more powerful heat — great for old farmhouses and drafty homes
✔ Propane: efficient and clean — great for newer, well-insulated homes
Your home’s age, insulation, and furnace type matter more than the fuel.
⭐ What Buyers Should Ask During a Showing
✔ How old is the boiler/furnace?
✔ What type of tank is used (oil or propane)?
✔ Are recent service records available?
✔ Are there automatic delivery contracts?
✔ Are there multiple propane suppliers nearby?
✔ What are the average annual heating costs?
Heating is one of the biggest long-term expenses in NH.
⭐ Bottom Line
Both oil and propane are reliable heating sources for New Hampshire homes.
Oil delivers hotter heat and strong winter performance, while propane offers cleaner burning, high efficiency, and lower maintenance. The best choice depends on your home’s age, insulation, and heating system.
Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent
58 NH Route 25A
Wentworth, NH 03282
P: (857) 249-7392
Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services
Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com
Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com
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