Here in semi-rural Northern Ohio, the gas mains out front are spotty,=20
but there are several other alternatives to Electric, fuel oil, and propane=
:
1: 34 years ago we spent $8,000 to drill a 1000' natural gas well. Only=20
money we have put into it since is 2 years ago, $4000 to slide a 120' of=20
casing inside the casing that had a water leak. Well provides enough =20
gas to heat, kitchen, dryer, hot water, and garage heat except for maybe=20
once a year very cold weather we get $25 of backup electric heat. Today=20
the well would cost probably $25,000 to drill. The 1000' deep well=20
requires 100' radius of well owning the mineral rights, and 200' from a=20
house per Ohio regulations.
2: There are numerous production natural gas wells, 1800' deep in the=20
area. Usually 1 or 2 houses get free gas plus the royalty on the=20
production gas. But it has happened when the production volume goes down=20
(age), the well is capped, and the house is left with having to change=20
to another source, frequently means a new furnace, etc.
3: Wood furnaces are not uncommon, there are numerous hardwood sawmills=20
within and hour drive, and slab wood is readily available at good prices.
4: Our township service department garage is heated with used engine=20
oil. They have collection during semi-annual recycling/rubbish=20
collection, getting 1000 gallons per year which is about their usage.
5: For those with fuel oil furnaces, consider the Beckett high=20
efficiency burners that can be retrofitted. They are local and have=20
excellent products.
http://www.beckettcorp.com/

On 05/06/2011 02:27 PM, Mark E. Skeels wrote:
> [SNIP]
>
> It's infrequent enough that I suspect it amounts to a very small
> fraction of overall oil usage
>
> Why is it that using oil for heat is prevalent in the east?
>
> Can it be more economical than natural gas?
>
> ???
--=20
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