furnace replacement cost

There are a lot of things to think about while deciding between an oil furnace and an electric furnace for your house. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two heating systems, looking at their pros and cons in terms of efficiency, cost, installation, maintenance, safety, and environmental impact.

Key Differences between Electric Furnace & Oil Furnace

Efficiency

To find out which heating system could be better for your needs, you need to compare the efficiency of electric and oil furnaces. There are a number of important factors to think about.

Electric Furnace Efficiency

The efficiency of electric furnaces is well-known to be high, usually falling somewhere between 85% and 95%. Due to this, a significant amount of the power that an electric heat system uses is turned into heat. In places with mild to moderate winters, where the need for heating is not very large, the benefit of such high efficiency becomes most noticeable.

Electric furnaces are very efficient because they do not produce flue losses, which are the heat that escapes during venting in systems that rely on combustion. Since they don’t use combustion to produce heat, electric furnaces also sidestep the inefficiencies that come with that method. This is why they work so well for heating and keeping things at a consistent temperature, unlike systems that rely on fuel, which might experience variations.

In addition, electric heating systems are now more efficient thanks to developments in heating technology, smart thermostat integration, and HVAC management systems. An electric heating system can optimize energy use and save waste by adjusting the heating output based on user habits and real-time temperature data.

Oil Furnace Efficiency

The efficiency ratings of modern oil furnaces typically range from 80% to 90%. In colder climates, when higher heat output is vital, oil furnaces excel in producing more oil heat per BTU of energy consumed, although slightly lower than electric furnaces.

Modern oil furnaces are much more efficient than their predecessors thanks to innovations like variable-speed blowers and multi-stage burners, which adjust the airflow and burning process to meet specific demands. This modulation is designed to increase energy utilization while minimizing heat loss.

The necessity of a flue or chimney, via which some heat can escape, means that heating oil furnaces can lose some efficiency. Since soot and other combustion byproducts can accumulate in the system and diminish operational efficiency, oil furnaces require regular maintenance to keep running well, similar to natural gas furnaces.

Electric Furnace Installation Costs

The installation of an electric furnace is typically less expensive and easier than that of an oil furnace because of its simplicity. An electric furnace might cost anything from $1,000 to $1,500 to have installed. Not having to worry about fuel storage or exhaust flue systems—both of which are essential for oil furnaces—is the reason for the reduced complexity.

Additionally, electric furnaces are more compact and take up less room, so you won’t have to make as many changes to your home’s heating system. Connecting the electrical components and checking the integrity of the home’s existing ducting are both part of the installation process.

Oil Furnace Installation Costs

Installing an oil furnace is a more difficult and costly process, usually costing between $4,500 and $5,000. A fuel storage tank, the furnace, and all of the associated piping and ducting add up to these expenses.

An oil furnace necessitates additional forethought and organization during installation. Because the fuel is combustible, it needs to be linked to a steady supply of oil and equipped with safety features. The installation of an oil furnace might be more complicated and expensive because of the need for a venting system to release the gases that are produced during burning.

Installation Costs

The furnace you select, the difficulty of the installation, and the cost of labor in your area are the primary factors that determine how much it will cost.

Operating Costs

Many homes place a high value on furnace operating costs, which are affected by factors such as fuel source prices and heating system efficiency.

Electric Furnace Operating Costs

Even while electric furnaces are quite efficient, their running expenses can be greatly affected by the cost of energy, similar to heat pumps. It can quite expensive to run an electric furnace in areas with high power rates, particularly during the winter months when heating demands are at their highest.

Some places provide cheaper rates during off-peak hours, and electricity prices can vary greatly by region and time of use. To take advantage of these reduced rates, electric furnace and heat pump owners can either heat their homes during off-peak hours or connect their systems to smart home technologies that optimize energy use according to power pricing.

Oil Furnace Operating Costs

An oil furnace, unlike a natural gas furnace, has running expenses that are very sensitive to oil price fluctuations, which may occur due to changes in international oil markets, changes in geopolitical stability, and problems with local supplies. Operating an oil furnace instead of an electric heater could save money in regions where oil is cheap and easily accessible.

However, heating costs can skyrocket in response to fluctuations in the price of oil, which is known to be extremely unpredictable. In addition to the state of the home’s insulation and the furnace’s efficiency, total fuel consumption is a major factor in operating costs.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Electric Furnace

In most cases, oil furnaces tend to need more maintenance than electric furnaces. You won’t have to worry about fuel deliveries, oil filter changes, or chimney cleaning. Since there are fewer mechanical parts in their design, they are easier to fix and cost less overall. But compared to oil furnaces, their lifespan is usually shorter. Usually, the repair expenses are lower, falling between $100 and $300. Due to the reduced number of moving parts, electric furnaces are less likely to break down and can provide warm air to your homes for longer times.

Oil Furnace

More extensive maintenance might lead to higher costs, ranging anywhere from $400 to $2,500. To keep them running efficiently and clear of soot, which can cause fires, oil furnaces need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning soot and debris, which can build up and decrease efficiency, is part of the more frequent maintenance required of these systems. More regular and maybe more expensive maintenance is required. On the other hand, with regular maintenance, oil furnaces can outlast electric ones by a number of years.

Safety and Health Concerns

Electric Furnace

The absence of combustion in electric furnaces eliminates the dangers of oil spills and carbon monoxide poisoning. Nevertheless, some serious electrical problems can have fire risks.

Oil Furnace

The potential for oil to leak or spill from an oil furnace is a real concern. They add to the amount of carbon dioxide and other emissions that contribute to global warming.

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Why Choose Us?

For starters, we will show up on time with a fully stocked service van, eager to resolve your heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical problem.

dong Lauredodong Lauredo
05:09 13 Oct 24
they are very professional people , they took good care of the problem .I would definitely recommend them .. very cheerful and nice to deal with
William HucmanWilliam Hucman
00:23 07 Oct 24
My hot water tank failed on a Friday evening. Had spent some time on Saturday morning calling a number of service companies and Comfort Union was one of the quickest to respond and able to execute the work over the weekend. The gentlemen that showed up were very friendly, completed the work in a timely manner, left no damage and cleaned up after the work was complete. Great experience with Comfort Union!
Trang LeiTrang Lei
04:33 06 Oct 24
We strongly recommend that Comfort Union attends to your residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Our tank water heater broke down on the weekend. On Monday, we called a few large companies, and all their estimates were on par or above the price point for the following tankless water heaters: Navien NPE-240A2, Rinnai RXP199iN, Rheem CRTGH95DVLN-3, AOSmith ATHR-199X3. During our online search, we encountered a hidden gem: Comfort Union, a small, family-oriented business with competitive and affordable pricing. They strive to adhere to a strict moral code that values integrity, fairness, and straightforwardness. We had the pleasure of meeting Asif, who was patient and took the time to address all our questions, concerns, and needs. He assessed the situation and recommended the most suitable tankless water heater option.We were not pressured to buy products – Asif was genuine and transparent. He used his expertise to guide our decision-making, always considering our needs and best interests. Ultimately, we decided on the Rinnai RX199iN SENSEI® RX Series. This model from Rinnai, a frontrunner in the industry, offers higher efficiencies, higher BTU output, better pairing with existing systems, and forward-thinking technologies. These unique features have truly enhanced our home comfort and reduced our energy bill. Asif and his team were excellent. Their workmanship, craftsmanship, and customer service are unparalleled. With their engineering backgrounds, they combine their vital knowledge to ensure our installation process is of the highest quality and standard. A special thanks to Asif, who worked tirelessly and meticulously to ensure all components were correctly installed and even took extra effort to reposition the water supply line and pipe at no additional cost. These thoughtful additions demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, making us feel valued and important. Their commitment to our satisfaction was evident throughout the process, making us feel truly important. Thanks to their professionalism and expertise, the entire process was smooth and hassle-free. Their service was not only quick and reliable but also very affordable.  This affordability, coupled with their superb customer service, a key factor that sets them apart, will make me use them for all my residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services needs. Our experience with Comfort Union has been nothing short of exceptional. We couldn't be more satisfied!
Andrea MendrosAndrea Mendros
16:45 04 Oct 24
I recommend this with a Heart. Found this site in goggle. And they did a very good job.
Abdel Aziz FarahAbdel Aziz Farah
17:54 02 Oct 24
Asif and Ismail were awesome came in let me know everything I needed and it was a smooth install. Would highly recommend them to anybody!!!
Ab CaAb Ca
04:01 30 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union for three major installations in my home—a new heat pump, a tankless water heater, and a furnace—and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience!Heat Pump Installation:From the first consultation, Comfort Union’s team impressed me with their knowledge and transparency. I decided to upgrade to a heat pump because I wanted to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of both heating and cooling from one system. The team carefully assessed my home’s layout and explained every step of the process, including how the heat pump would function in Calgary’s colder climate. They even took the time to break down the cost savings I could expect over time.The installation was seamless. The technicians were punctual, professional, and clearly experts in their field. They worked efficiently, ensuring that all components were correctly installed, and even took extra care to tidy up after themselves. They walked me through the setup, explaining how to use the system, and answered all of my questions patiently. Now, I enjoy year-round comfort with a system that’s quiet, effective, and eco-friendly!Tankless Water Heater Installation:I also had Comfort Union install a tankless water heater (Rinnai RXP199), and it’s been a game-changer for my household. No more waiting for the water to heat up or running out of hot water during long showers—this tankless system delivers endless hot water on demand!Their installation team was fantastic. They emphasized the importance of proper installation for efficiency and to protect the warranty, which gave me peace of mind knowing I was in good hands. I appreciated that they took the time to explain the maintenance needs to ensure the system stays in top shape for years to come. Plus, they added smart touches like installing a drier filter for extra protection against Calgary’s colder months.Furnace Installation:Lastly, I had Comfort Union replace my old furnace, and wow—what a difference it’s made! They recommended a high-efficiency model based on my home’s size and heating needs, and it has drastically improved my energy bills. The new furnace is powerful yet super quiet, and I can already feel the consistent warmth throughout my house.I can’t stress enough how smooth this installation went. The team was respectful of my space, even laying down mats to protect my floors. They installed a new programmable thermostat and made sure everything was running perfectly before leaving. They also included a comprehensive warranty and provided advice on how to keep the system running efficiently for years.Overall Experience:What I love most about Comfort Union is how they combine their technical expertise with a personal touch. From the friendly office staff to the knowledgeable technicians, everyone I interacted with was professional, courteous, and genuinely cared about my comfort. I also appreciate that they offer full coverage with their installations, including maintenance plans, which makes me feel even more confident in my investment.If you’re looking for a reliable, family-run HVAC company that truly puts customers first, I highly recommend Comfort Union. Their workmanship, attention to detail, and top-notch service exceeded all my expectations. Whether you need a new heat pump, tankless water heater, or furnace, you won’t be disappointed!
Pramila YesudasPramila Yesudas
03:26 30 Sep 24
Asıf and team replaced our hot water tank very quickly and efficiently. Asif was very professional and communicated well with us. Asıf is knowledgeable, I would definitely recommend comfort union heating and plumbing company to others. Thank you Asıf for your quick and responsible work.
Rych 1821Rych 1821
01:19 20 Sep 24
Asif and his team installed a heat pump in my home. They did an excellent job. Quality of work was very good. They were friendly and helpful; happy to explain what they were doing and answer any questions. Very pleased with the service.  Highly recommended.Looking forward to the annual maintenance service from you, guys. Thank you.
Omolade AjetunmobiOmolade Ajetunmobi
05:13 19 Sep 24
Both Moe and Ben were really good and they completed the heat pump install in a timely manner. Very professional and kept our place clean afterwards.
Pablo GPablo G
01:15 18 Sep 24
Tankless Water Heater: Very happy and impressed with how quickly Asif came out to assess the problem, with his knowledge and the response time to quote and install a replacement unit. No pressure sales and upfront pricing with no surprises. I had a quote from another ‘Rinnai Approved’ company who flip-flopped on the work scope, upgrades and advised on new venting (at great cost) that was simply not needed. The tech (Mo) did a good job removing and installing the new unit and so far the unit has been working great.
Glen RGlen R
17:46 07 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!
Chris EllettChris Ellett
13:28 06 Sep 24
I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business again
Berta SiposBerta Sipos
02:20 05 Sep 24
Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.
SamiurSamiur
20:24 04 Sep 24
Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.
Charles KabanoCharles Kabano
19:12 01 Sep 24
Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!
KyleKyle
21:57 29 Aug 24
Vic DePazVic DePaz
01:09 28 Aug 24
Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.
Kathleen VinluanKathleen Vinluan
01:26 24 Aug 24
Quick and Reliable.
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Environmental Impact

Electric Furnace

One way electric furnaces can help the environment is when they use power that comes from renewable sources. In this case, they do not contribute to global warming.

Oil Furnace

Typically causes more harm to the environment than other types of emissions because oil combustion releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Lifespan

Electric Furnace

Depending on care and use, the average lifespan is twelve to fifteen years.

Oil Furnace

Expected to last for a longer period of time; given care, it could last for 20 years or longer.

Making the Right Choice: Electric vs. Oil Furnace

Climate Considerations

Among the most important considerations when deciding between an electric and oil furnace is the local environment.

An oil furnace could be a better choice if you reside in a place with severe and lengthy winters. When it’s chilly outside, an oil furnace will warm your home more rapidly and efficiently because of its greater heat output per British thermal unit (BTU). They are dependable in regions where winter storms often knock out power because they keep running even when the power goes off.

People living in a more temperate environment might benefit more from an electric furnace. Since temperatures rarely drop below a certain point, electric furnaces are more than enough to keep people comfortable. They are perfect for these types of conditions because of how efficient they are with energy and how little upkeep they need.

Personal Preferences and Future Considerations

  • Switching to an electric furnace could be the better choice if you care deeply about reducing your impact on the environment and the amount of fossil fuels you use.
  • Think about how much fuel will cost and when it will be available where you are. Electric heating could become even more attractive if your area experiences a transition to renewable energy sources, which could lead to cheaper electricity.
  • Keep in mind that potential buyers may choose an electric furnace over an oil-based one due to its cleaner operation and less complicated design if you’re thinking about selling your house in the near future.

Conclusion

Efficiency, affordability, safety, and environmental effects are just a few of the many considerations when deciding between an oil furnace and an electric one. Keep in mind that there have been major legislative shifts impacting heating systems due to the growing concern for sustainability. New residential structures cannot have oil-powered boilers, furnaces, or water heaters installed as of 31 December 2021 according to restrictions enforced by municipalities such as Quebec.

Homeowners can rely on Comfort Union for personalized installation services and expert advice as they navigate these choices. Comfort Union is the company to go to whether you need to modify your current system to meet new environmental laws or if you’re in the market for a high-efficiency electric furnace. If you want to make a green and comfortable decision for your house, our expert advice and installation services are here to help.

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