Does anybody know what heating oil is running per gallon right now?

[LostinVA]

I know it's different in different parts of the country, but I'm just looking at basic prices. I'm in Jersey.

[GOPisEvil]

1. I believe Madrone paid $2.90-something in Washington.

When she tells me how expensive that stuff is, I am thankful I heat with natural gas.

[LostinVA]

2. Yeah -- we're looking at getting this cool farmhouse

But we're worried about the cost of oil heat. There is a fireplace and wood stove, too, though.

[GOPisEvil]

3. What's sad is that propane may not be cheaper, although it's cleaner.

If you go with the house, make sure your inspector checks out the wood stove chimney and fireplace flue thoroughly. Lots of hidden defects in there that can cause a fire.

[GOPisEvil]

4. I'm a liar (again). It was 2.70-something.

:spank:

[LostinVA]

5. We will

It's an old house.

[lildreamer316]

6. I'll be calling about it tommorrow..

..so I'll get back to you asap.

[LostinVA]

7. The price in NC will probably be close to here, I bet

[Nevernose]

8. Stupid question, but what is heating oil?

I grew up in a swamp, and now live in a desert, okay?

Anyway, what is heating oil? I assume it's some kind of petroleum product used to heat houses. How is it used? How is it burned? How is a heating oil house different from normal houses? What about central air? Does it supersede/augment it? Or do people where you live not have it, and find some other way to cool their homes?

Sorry for the stupid questions in advance. I've had similar conversation with Canadians before. You remember that movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy?" The one where the Coke bottle falls from an airplane and the guy assumes it's a gift of the gods? That's how I am about cold weather.

[LostinVA]

9. It oil used to heat houses

It's usually in a tank on the side or in the ground of a house. It's burned in some sort of heater. It's more expensive than gas/propane heat.

Central air is something different. The house we're looking at, unfortunately, doesn't have central air.

NJ has a lovely combination of being really cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer.