‘Winter Heating Bust' To Keep Natural Gas Prices Low

For the current winter heating season, running from November 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, consumers can expect relatively low natural gas prices compared to historical averages and also relative to competing heating fuels. Propane is more energy-efficient and it contains about 2.5 times as much usable energy as a comparable amount of natural gas. We provide the same service no matter which side of the natural gas vs. propane debate you fall on, so we recommend contacting us to learn about rates in your area. Pennsylvania sits above the Marcellus Shale which is believed to have a record-breaking production of natural gas. This availability tends to make natural similar resource site gas pricing more predictable and less volatile.

Quantities of natural gas are measured in normal cubic meters (corresponding to 0 °C at 101.325 kPa ) or in standard cubic feet (corresponding to 60 °F (16 °C) and 14.73 psia ). The gross heat of combustion of 1 m3 of commercial quality natural gas is around 39 MJ (≈10.8 kWh ), but this can vary by several percent. The best water to use to produce hydrogen gas using electrolysis of water is sea water.

Since natural gas is combustible and leaks in a gas pipe may result in a fire or explosion, this piping should only be repaired or replaced by a licensed, professional HVAC company or, in some areas, a licensed pipefitter or plumber. Lighting and combusting the natural gas at the burner is how heat is supplied to the rest of the home. When a thermostat senses that the home's temperature has reached the desired level, it sends a signal to the furnace to end the heating cycle. The gas valve that supplies heat to the burner shuts off, extinguishing the flames. Radiant heating is another option , driven either by electric or hydronic power.

Heating oil providers provide you with much more options, management and control of your fuel supply. Unlike natural gas, where a pipeline incident or leak could disrupt service or endanger your home, an oil tank stores your own independent supply safely. Even with the recent lower oil price trend, it's inevitable that energy costs will fluctuate and potentially rise again - including natural gas!

Although gas furnaces are more efficient than oil furnaces, that efficiency comes at a price—gas units are typically priced 10% to 25% higher than the same size oil furnace. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts the average household will spend the following for heating this winter (October 2012 through March 2013): While oil prices are more volatile and subject to the vagaries of global supply and demand, natural gas production is centered in the U.S. and Canada, securing a more stable supply. There are a couple of major reasons you may decide to convert your unit to natural gas.