David L wrote:

Hi all,

I'm a homeowner on Long Island, NY. My heating system is about 45 years
old now, so I guess it's finally time to replace it.

I've met with a couple of contractors already and I must say I'm still
not at all sure whether I want to go gas or oil.

Currently I have an oil system. I'm in a 2500 sq foot house with 2
zones and there are 4 people in the house. It's baseboard hot water
heat. I have a 275 gallon oil tank that's about 7 years old and it's
inside the house. I haven't had any problems with oil over the 6 years
I've been here and the oil company has serviced my account and system
very well.

To me you have your answer right there. There is nothing toastier in the
winter (in NY) than hot water baseboard heat. Your tank is not buried so
it will last much longer. If I had the money, what you have right now
would be my preference. I live in MD and have an all-electric heat pump
system. It is great year round except in the coldest months. But the
fans blowing are noisy, dusty and very drying though that is remedied
with a humidifier. I would love to have my former NY home with hot-water
baseboard heat back (but in MD).