Oil Furnace Repair

How does your home rely on a cozy and comfortable winter? About 50% of American homes are heated with gas today, versus about 8% of homes with oil heat via a residential oil furnace. It is up to the homeowner to research the benefits and downsides of oil furnaces versus gas units in order to make a decision that is right for their budget and desired outcome. For those who already own an oil furnace, the question arises about repairing, maintenance, and replacement. Currently, there are a number of rebates available from local utilities (Seattle Light is one) for the purchase and installation of complete HVAC Systems as well as Ductless Heat Pumps.

When shopping for a residential furnace, look first at the efficiency rating, which is also commonly called the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This rating measures the efficiency of a machine’s combustion. A higher rating shows a higher efficiency of combustion. Most new oil furnaces have AFUE ratings between 80% and 90%, while their gas counterparts have ratings between 89% and 98%, which is not a huge difference to start out with. Although gas furnaces are more efficient than oil furnaces, the efficiency comes at a higher unit price. Gas units are usually priced 10% to 25% higher than the same-size oil furnace. However, all new residential oil furnaces are significantly more efficient than their counterparts of ten or more years ago, some by as much as 30%. During the summer, an oil furnace shuts off its burners and works with your heat pump or air conditioner to circulate cool air.

Popular brands of residential oil furnaces include the Byrant Preferred Series, which operates quietly and efficiently with an AFUE rating of up to 86.6%. These models can be combined with a matched Bryant heat pump to create a hybrid heat dual fuel system for optimum control over heating efficiencies. Another well-known brand is the Legacy Line series of oil furnaces, which deliver dependable efficiency and years of warm and even heating to your home, with an AFUE rating of up to 82.4%. You could also consider Rheem’s Classic Series of highboy/horizontal profile oil furnaces with three firing rates, a limited lifetime warranty, and an efficiency rating of up to 86.5%.

A residential oil furnace emits more heat than other heating sources, but an on-site storage tank is required and oil must be delivered. When replacing an oil tank, it may be best to replace it with a tank that has a double wall to prevent oil spills. Residential oil tank removal is a delicate procedure, especially when the tank is underground. Even if you think the tank is young and not leaking, buried oil tanks should be tested for water in the tank bottom. Residential oil furnaces are regularly and easily serviced by the delivery company, but maintenance can be extensive due to dirt and soot buildup. Therefore, chimneys must be cleaned and the oil filters changed frequently.

A good quality residential oil furnace will provide dependable air circulation to keep you more comfortable all year round. Just be sure to maintain your oil furnace well throughout the year. Oil furnaces warm your home efficiently. Furnace Doctors can set you up with a maintenance, filter, and cleaning package for your budget. And if you want to move up, Furnace Doctors can offer several alternatives that could save you money in the long run and give you rebates for even your initial purchase.

We offer emergency service and free estimates when you purchase a new furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. Additionally, we offer financing for qualified buyers. We serve the entire Seattle/Tacoma and Bellevue area including King County, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish Counties. Got a heating and cooling problem? Call us today! You’ll be glad you did. (888) 414-HEAT. You may also be interested in our money-saving FREE ebook of HVAC articles.