Date: March 16, 2026
A dependable, effective heating system isn’t a luxury in New England — it’s a necessity. After the frigid, snowy winter we’ve just experienced here in the greater Boston area, most homeowners can agree on that. Still, keeping your home warm through months of freezing temperatures is never inexpensive.
So which option is more affordable: electricity or heating oil? Let’s take a closer look at how these systems work, how their costs compare and what that means for your comfort and your wallet.
When comparing heating oil and electricity, it’s important to look at equivalent heat output — not just the price on a bill.
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while heating oil is sold by the gallon. To make a fair comparison, you need to convert both to British thermal units (Btu), the standard measurement of heat energy.
One kilowatt-hour of electricity produces 3,412 Btu. A single gallon of heating oil, however, delivers about 138,500 Btu. That means it takes a little over 40 kilowatt-hours of electricity to generate the same amount of heat energy found in one gallon of oil.
To compare costs, you can multiply your electric rate per kWh by 40.6 and see how that total stacks up against the current per-gallon price of heating oil. In Massachusetts — where electric rates are among the highest in the country — heating oil frequently delivers more heat for the dollar.
Modern electric heat pumps are far better than they were years ago. They can efficiently transfer heat from outside air into your home during cool weather and provide air conditioning in summer.
But here in Massachusetts, winter often means sustained freezing temperatures. Heat pumps rely on extracting heat energy from outdoor air. When that air becomes extremely cold, there’s simply less heat available to capture. As a result, heat pumps must work harder, run longer, and may switch to supplemental electric resistance heating, which is significantly more expensive to operate.
Even many households with whole-home heat pump systems retain an oil or gas furnace or boiler as a backup for the coldest stretches of winter. That’s because when temperatures dip into the teens or single digits, reliable, steady heat truly matters. Oil systems deliver high-temperature heat quickly and consistently, helping your home feel warmer and more comfortable during deep freezes.
If you heat with oil, there are practical ways to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort:
Small changes can add up to meaningful savings over the course of a New England winter.
If your furnace or boiler is aging or inefficient, replacing it could dramatically reduce your heating costs. Cubby Oil & Energy installs high-efficiency oil boilers and furnaces designed to deliver maximum heat with minimal fuel consumption.
In many cases, upgrading to a modern system can slash heating oil use by 20% or more compared to older equipment — all while providing steady, dependable warmth through even the harshest Massachusetts winters. It’s an investment that pays you back in comfort, savings, and peace of mind for years to come.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Cubby Oil & Energy today for a FREE estimate and discover how affordable, efficient oil heat can keep your home toasty for many winters ahead.