When you’re buying a new furnace, there are many factors to consider. While both oil and gas furnaces can heat your home efficiently in the winter, they each have their own pros and cons which is why it is important to understand the differences between oil and gas furnaces.
Understanding these key differences will help you choose the best one for your needs. In this blog article, we’ll go over the primary differences between an oil furnace and a gas furnace, including how they operate, their energy efficiency, maintenance needs, etc. Let’s dive in!
How Do Oil Furnaces and Gas Furnaces Operate?
Essentially, both gas and oil furnaces use a burner to heat your home or business. The burner is controlled by a thermostat, which turns on when the temperature drops and off when it is warm enough. The furnace burns either oil or gas to produce heat and distribute it throughout your home.
The primary difference between a gas and an oil furnace is how the burner is heated. Gas furnaces use energy, such as electricity or natural gas, as a source of ignition to get the burner hot enough to ignite the fuel. The flow of fuel is regulated to produce the right amount of heat. Oil furnaces use gasoline as the fuel to get the burner hot enough to ignite the fuel. The flow of gasoline is regulated to produce the right amount of heat.
Which is more energy efficient: an oil furnace or a gas furnace?
When it comes to energy efficiency, an oil furnace is more efficient than a gas furnace. However, this doesn’t mean that a gas furnace isn’t efficient at all. In fact, gas furnaces are one of the best options you could choose for your home, business, or both.
It just means that an oil furnace is better at least, in theory. An oil furnace operates at a higher efficiency than a gas furnace. But the efficiency of your home heating system is determined by more than just the type of furnace you have. The size of the structure that you’re heating, your insulation levels, and where your furnace is located will also affect its efficiency.
In fact, it is possible to have two different furnaces of the same type installed in two different houses. They may have different efficiencies because of factors like size and insulation. So, it is misleading to suggest that one furnace is always more energy efficient than another.
Maintenance of Oil Furnaces and Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces require less maintenance than oil furnaces. Gas furnaces have sensors that will shut it off if it is malfunctioning so you don’t have to worry too much about safety. Many gas furnace systems are also equipped with a self-cleaning feature that burns off impurities in the system.
Oil furnaces require more frequent maintenance than gas furnaces. You may need to replace the filter in your furnace annually. You may also need to have your furnace inspected every other year or so by a professional. Oil furnaces may need to be refueled monthly.
If you don’t do this, the furnace may stop working. You may also need to clean the burner regularly. Gas furnaces don’t need to be refueled as often, so this maintenance is less frequent.
Furnaces are useful additions to any home. They help keep your family warm and cozy during the winter months. There are two types of furnaces that you can choose from: gas and oil.
Each type of furnace offers its own set of benefits, and there are many factors to consider before deciding which one is right for you. If you keep these key differences in mind, you’ll have a better idea of which option is best for your home. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Call Telco Whenever You’re in the Market for a New Burner System, We Have What You Need!
Now that you know more about oil vs gas furnaces, you’re ready to make a decision. If you’re in the market for a new oil or gas furnace and you care about quality, you’re in luck.
Telco carries some of the best burner systems and components ever made. People from all over the country order their custom burner systems, gas products, and components from Telco because they know that they won’t find the same quality for the price anywhere else.
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