Oil, Propane or Natural Gas? Home Heating in Orange County, NY: What Buyers Should Know

By Ammar Iqbal | Real Estate Salesperson, eXp Realty

When you tour homes in Orange County, NY, one question comes up again and again: how is this house heated? Older homes, newer homes, city lots and country properties can all use different fuels, and the answer affects your monthly costs, your maintenance and even your offer. Here is a simple guide for buyers. For more on the area, see my Middletown, NY area guide.

Natural gas

Natural gas is common in the City of Middletown, Newburgh and other more built-up areas where gas lines run along the street. Gas is delivered by the utility, so there is no tank to refill. Depending on the address, your electric and gas service comes from Orange & Rockland or Central Hudson. Gas is not available everywhere, so never assume a rural home has it.

Heating oil

Many older homes across the county heat with oil. Oil is delivered by truck and stored in a tank, either in the basement or buried in the yard. If the tank is underground, ask about its age and condition, since an old buried tank can be costly to remove. Some buyers ask for the tank to be tested or removed as part of the deal. Many oil companies offer budget plans that spread the cost over the year.

Propane

Propane is popular in rural parts of the county where there are no gas lines. It is stored in a tank on the property, which may be owned by the seller or leased from a propane company. Find out which one it is, because a leased tank usually means you buy from that company.

Electric and heat pumps

Some homes use electric baseboard heat, and more homeowners are adding heat pumps. New York offers incentive programs for energy upgrades, and the details change, so check current programs before you count on them. Many homes also have a wood or pellet stove as a backup.

Questions to ask before you buy

• What fuel heats the home and the hot water?
• How old is the furnace or boiler, and when was it last serviced?
• Can the seller share past heating bills?
• Is there an oil or propane tank, where is it and who owns it?

Your home inspector should look at the heating system too. See my Orange County home inspection checklist and my post on Middletown home maintenance costs. Heating costs also matter when you work out how much house you can afford.

Ready to look?

Browse Middletown homes for sale and I will help you find out how each one is heated before you make an offer. Selling first? Find out what your home is worth. Have questions? Reach out any time.