forced air oil furnace

In areas where oil is cheap and plentiful, many homes use forced air oil furnaces as their primary heating system. This is especially true when contrasted to alternatives like electricity or natural gas. This furnace type uses heating oil to heat the house, and then the heat is transferred through a system of ducts. In order to keep their systems running well and make educated decisions about their heating needs, homeowners need to familiarize themselves with the inner workings of a forced air oil furnace and that’s what we’re helping you with today – from understanding how they work and if it is suitable for your home.

The Components of a Forced Air Oil Furnace

The following parts are essential to a forced air oil furnace’s ability to heat your house:

  1. Oil Tank: The heating oil is stored in an oil tank that is connected to the furnace. These storage tanks have two possible locations: above ground and underground. The heating needs and oil delivery frequency determine the tank size.

  2. Oil Pump: A system of pipes is used to transfer oil from a storage tank to the furnace. Pressure is applied to the oil when it is drawn out of the tank by an oil pump and then sent to the burner.

  3. Burner: The burner is the central component of an oil furnace; it is here that the oil is finely atomized, combined with air, and set ablaze by means of either a spark or an electric ignitor. A lot of heat is produced by this combustion.

  4. Heat Exchanger: The heat exchanger is a network of metal chambers or coils that transfers the heat from the burner to the air. It heats up while the burner works. To prevent the combustion of the gas mixture with the circulated air, the heat exchanger effectively transmits heat from the oil’s combustion to the air.

  5. Blower Fan: After the air is heated, it is forced into the supply ductwork system by the blower fan. The heated air is distributed around the house via ducts, which let it escape through vents in different rooms, thereby raising the temperature.

  6. Thermostat: A thermostat, which the homeowners adjust to their preferred temperature, controls the entire operation. The thermostat will trigger the furnace to turn on when the indoor temperature falls below the predetermined threshold. If the thermostat is configured to turn off the furnace when the house reaches a certain temperature, it will keep the temperature set efficiently.

  7. Flue or Vent Pipe: The combustion gases released into the air as a result of heating must be let out of the house by a vent pipe or flue. Ensuring that only clean, warm air is pumped inside the home is achieved through this component.

The Heating Process

To heat your home, these components function in a cycle:

  1. Activation: The heating cycle begins when the indoor temperature falls below the thermostat’s set point, which is done by sending a signal to the furnace.

  2. Oil Delivery: The pump moves the oil from the storage tank to the burner, where it is heated to an atomized state.

  3. Ignition and Combustion: The combustion chamber is used to ignite the atomized oil, which then produces heat.

  4. Heat Transfer: The heat exchanger then transfers this heat to a new location. The hot surface of the heat exchanger raises the temperature of the air surrounding it.

  5. Air Distribution: The blower fan subsequently propels the heated air into the ducts, where it is dispersed over the house.

  6. Exhaust: The flue is a crucial component in guaranteeing the safety and maintenance of air quality by expelling combustion gasses from the home.

Benefits of Using a Forced Air Oil Furnace

1. High Energy Efficiency

Technological developments in recent decades have allowed oil furnaces to become much more energy-efficient. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are rather high on many new models, with some models reaching 90% or higher. As a result, less oil is wasted and fuel costs are reduced because more of the burned oil is transformed into usable heat. Models that have earned the Energy Star certification have shown to be more efficient than the average consumer-grade unit by adhering to stringent standards established by the government.

2. Effective Heating Capability

Oil furnaces can generate more heat because oil burns at a greater temperature than other fuels, including electricity or natural gas. Because of this, they can heat up places rapidly, making them more comfortable in less time. Oil furnaces are especially suited for colder climates where rapid heating is necessary due to their efficient capacity to produce greater temperatures.

3. Longevity and Durability

The lifespan and resilience of oil furnaces are well-known. An oil furnace, with regular servicing, has a longer lifespan than many gas furnaces—anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. A smart investment for home heating in the long run, their sturdy build and dependable design reduce the frequency of repairs and lengthen the life of the system.

4. Improved Indoor Air Quality

The installation of state-of-the-art air filtration systems inside forced-air oil furnaces can significantly enhance the quality of the air within the building by trapping and eliminating harmful particles and contaminants. Furthermore, those who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems will appreciate the reduced allergens, dust, and other particulates in the home air thanks to the constant circulation and filtering of the air.

5. Safety Features

While it’s important to think about safety with any heating system, new oil furnaces have a lot of safeguards to avoid typical problems. If any of these dangers are identified, the furnace will be turned off. They include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flame rollout switches. Another reason oil is safer than gas is because it is not as explosive.

6. Availability in Remote Locations

Oil is a great substitute for natural gas in many outlying or rural places where it is not readily available. Because oil can be transported by truck to any location, even those without access to the gas grid can have efficient and dependable heating without investing much in new infrastructure.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Due to their longer lifespan and potential for increased heat production, oil furnaces can end up being a more cost-effective alternative than natural gas ones, even though oil is more expensive up front. Homeowners may obtain more heat from their oil furnaces per gallon thanks to current efficiency, which means they can save money on operating costs over the lifespan of the furnace.

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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.

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.
Louis TSAKALAKISLouis TSAKALAKIS
18:22 15 Aug 24
good job on time
Marcelina HumeMarcelina Hume
16:48 29 Jul 24
We recently had a heat pump installed by Comfort Union and couldn't be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the completed job, the team was outstanding. They provided personalized recommendations and were mindful of our budget. I highly recommend Comfort Union to anyone seeking efficient and detail-oriented service.Thank you for your exceptional customer service and competitive rates!
Michael StuartMichael Stuart
23:54 11 Jul 24
Thanks for a great job. Good work
Md Zillur RahmanMd Zillur Rahman
00:07 06 Jul 24
My friend Muhamad Ayoob khan is very knowledgeable and professional person. He takes every job very seriously. He is capable and knows what he is doing. You can rely on him for your HVAC needs.
Batool RizviBatool Rizvi
06:24 01 Jul 24
Excellent service, very reasonable cost. Always recommended.
Shabeeb RizviShabeeb Rizvi
06:23 01 Jul 24
I recently had a Gree heat pump and Carrier furnace installation by Comfort Union, and I'm really happy with the results. The Gree heat pump is very quiet and the Carrier furnace works great.I highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC work in Calgary. Their expertise and dedication are impressive. Good work!
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00:44 01 Jul 24
Juan GuerreroJuan Guerrero
14:56 28 Jun 24
Great service, highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC repair and installation services in Calgary!
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19:41 22 Jun 24
Sidharth NarulaSidharth Narula
00:08 21 Jun 24
"5/5 stars! I'm highly impressed by the exceptional service I received from Comfort Union on a weekend! As a family of plumbers, engineers, and soldiers, they brought a unique combination of skills and discipline to the job, replacing my water heater tank with complete satisfaction and professionalism. Their expertise, efficiency, and courtesy were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Comfort Union for any plumbing needs. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done!"
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Considerations and Disadvantages of Using Forced Air Oil Furnaces

The price of oil, which may be very unpredictable, is one of the major factors to think about while using an oil furnace. Heating oil prices can swing wildly due to fluctuations in global oil markets, in contrast to the more consistent pricing of natural gas. Households relying on oil for heating find it more difficult to plan for heating expenses due to this uncertainty.

Combustion of fossil fuels like oil results in the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which exacerbates the problem of climate change. The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other toxic gases into the air, along with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can worsen air quality and cause health problems. Those concerned about their impact on the environment will find this to be a major setback.

For oil furnaces to work properly and safely, maintenance is essential. Burner, filters, and heat exchanger components are among those that undergo yearly inspections and cleanings as part of this maintenance. Inadequate maintenance of an oil furnace can reduce its efficiency, increase its operating expenses, and even pose health dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning or oil leaks.

The necessity of an oil storage tank and the piping that goes along with it makes installing an oil furnace seemingly more complicated than alternative heating systems. In order to reduce the likelihood of accidents, these facilities must adhere to all applicable safety standards. Furthermore, there may be logistical challenges in certain locations due to the oil tank’s size requirements and the fact that it must be refillable.

Corrosion and leakage are potential problems for oil tanks, regardless of their location. Oil spills pose a threat to the environment and can contaminate soil and water, which can make cleaning expensive and put homeowners at risk of legal action.

Conclusion

In regions where alternative fuels are scarce or prohibitively expensive, forced air oil furnaces continue to be a reliable and efficient heating option. However, no HVAC system can work efficiently without proper installation and maintenance. This is what Comfort Union specializes in, along with ensuring that you have a comfortable experience with your heating and cooling systems all throughout your life.

Get in touch with the professional team of HVAC technicians at Comfort Union, where we provide customized HVAC solutions if you have any questions or would like to arrange for an installation. Find out how we can make your house more comfortable today!

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