Way way off topic...Home heating oil, propane, NG

Have a few questions...My wife's aunt in Oregon went with a home heating oil heater from a wood stove.  I know heating oil is popular in the midwest, but if the price is about the same as propane would you prefer propane??  It seems it would give more of a sootie smell that natural gas or propane.  Aside from the cost, which is better and why??

Although oil may be cheaper per unit than NG or propane, the burner will need to be maintained annually. I don't think they make an oil furnace that is direct vent-(uses outdoor air for combustion) and those are way more efficient. Oil and propane need to be delivered by truck- natural gas is delivered directly into your home via pipe from the street. Propane is for people who do not have NG in their neighborhood, but want the benefits of that type of fuel.

I have a natural gas, direct vent furnace that has been running 24/7 for 11 years and very little maintenence. I also use NG for my kitchen stove, gas fireplaces, outdoor grill, and clothes dryer. Oil alone can't do that. And I never have to call for a delivery because my tank emptied out...
Just sayin'
Tim T.

 Hi,

One thing not mentioned previously is that Fuel Oil and Propane can be subject to wild price swings... makes it tough to budget. Also, if you have Fuel Oil and are getting soot or odor you will want the equipment checked out. A modern, well maintained and adjusted oil appliance installed correctly should not product soot or odors. I personally prefer NG, I am in the trades (licensed gas fitter, reefer tech and sheetmetal installer), I could have anything in my home and chose NG due to less maintenance, stability of price since the utility is regulated, clean operation, and efficiency. Also, propane would be my choice over oil... the only thing NG has over it is price stability.

 My dad has an old oil furnace and aside from the high cost of the oil he is always complaining about the furnace breaking down and needing maintenance.

Reminds of the father from Christmas Story... 
 "It's a clinker! That blasted stupid furnace dadgummit!   Oh, for cripes sake, open up the damper will ya? Who the hell turned it all the way down? AGAIN! Oh, blast it!"  

Anyway, I'm a NG man all the way and would probably not buy a house if it didn't have it.  I use it for heat, ho****er, stove, fireplace, and gas grill (which as team states is the best thing ever because no running out of propane half way through a cookout).  The furnace runs like clockwork and very rarely have a problem.  

 I have burned wood, wood pellets, heating oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas.  i love my pellet stove but for ease of use, cleanliness and efficincy  and consistent prices I like natural gas.

  We have oil but sure wish we had NG. I have had it in the past, but it does not come out this far.