Oil heat gives you one less thing to worry about: It doesn't explode before it can even burn, it must be turned into a fine particle mist and ignited. Also:

• According to a 1993 report by the National Fire Protection Association, oil heat equipment clearly causes the fewest fatalities among heating fuels.
  
• Oil poses one of the least risks of carbon monoxide poisoning to your family. A 1993 report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that gas units are associated with 82% of carbon monoxide deaths in the home. Oil units were involved in less then 1/10 of that.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. What kind of savings can I expect with a new heating or air conditioning system?
It's not abnormal to see up to as much as 50% savings in your energy bills while lowering energy costs. In most cases, you will see a return in your investment because a new heating system can pay for itself over a period of time.

Q. What can be done to improve the air quality in my home?
The use of high efficiency filters, humidifiers, and UV lights can dramatically increase the air quality in your home and can also help people with allergies and reactions to pollutions, animal dander and air bourne particles. Approximately 15 pounds of dirt per year goes through an average home. Using the right equipment with your heating system can make your home healthy in even the driest, coldest weather.

Q. What does a programmable thermostat do?
Using a programmable thermostat can keep your home comfortable any time of the night or day. Setting a personal comfort program that changes during the day and night will not only keep your family comfortable, but also save you money and energy. Setting the thermostat lower in the evening and when you are not home can save more than you would expect. For each degree you set your thermostat back, you can save 1-3% your annual heating costs. Also, it takes less energy to warm a cool house than to keep it warm all day and night.

Q. How can I control home heating costs?
If your heating system is 15-18 years old or older, you can find significant energy savings and increased reliability when you buy a new heating system. Keep your heating system energy efficient and have it serviced every year. never try to repair it yourself. Have an energy efficiency test performed on your heating system. Clean and/or replace your filters. Keep your attic, walls, ceilings and floors well-insulated to keep heat indoors. Seal all cracks and holes to keep cold air outside. Caulk windows and weather strip around doors and close vents to shut off heat in unused rooms.