How Efficient Are Oil Furnaces?

Heating oil systems are eco-friendly and cost-effective than ever before.

Winters in Calverton and throughout Suffolk County can get frigid. When the temperature drops, your home heating system works overtime, quickly becoming the top energy consumer in your household. Because heating makes up such a significant portion of your energy use, it pays to invest in equipment that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing comfort. In this regard, today’s oil furnaces are an amazing investment in superior comfort and energy savings.

If you have been relying on an older oil-burning furnace, you might associate oil heat with outdated technology. However, just as smartphones have revolutionized communication, modern heating technology has transformed the humble oil furnace into a powerhouse of efficiency.

Technology That Drives Efficiency

The gap between old and new furnaces is significant. Older models often operate with outdated systems that waste fuel and money. In contrast, today’s furnaces are engineered with advanced features like sophisticated heat exchangers, microprocessor-based controls and high-pressure flame retention burners.

These components work together to drastically improve how your system converts fuel into heat. The result? A warmer, more comfortable home that uses less fuel to stay that way.

Modern oil-fired furnaces boast remarkable AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. While older units might struggle with ratings as low as 60% — meaning nearly half of every dollar you spend on oil is wasted — new models typically range between 84% and 90%. High-efficiency units have even higher ratings. That means for every dollar you spend on heating oil, 98 cents goes directly into warming your living space.

Why Ductwork Matters

It is important to remember that a furnace is part of a “forced air” system. It generates heat, which fans then push through ductwork to the vents in your rooms. Even the most efficient furnace in the world cannot compensate for poor distribution.

Leaky or poorly installed ductwork allows heated air to escape into attics or crawl spaces before it ever reaches you. This leads to drafts, uneven temperatures, and wasted energy. Ensuring your ducts are sealed and in good condition is a crucial step in maximizing the efficiency of your new oil furnace.

Heating Oil vs. Natural Gas

There is a misconception that heating oil is “dirty” or inefficient compared to natural gas. The reality is quite different. Today’s ultra-low sulfur heating oil burns so cleanly that the Federal Clean Air Act doesn’t even regulate its emissions.

Furthermore, heating oil packs a punch in terms of energy content. It has a higher Btu output per gallon than natural gas, meaning you use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You would need to burn approximately 40% more natural gas to match the heating power of heating oil.

Save More with Bioheat® Fuel and Tax Credits

Residents in New York have an even greater opportunity to save money and the environment. At Burt’s Reliable, we deliver ultra-low-sulfur Natural Heating Oil® (Bioheat®) with a B20 biofuel blend. This 20% biofuel blend burns cleaner than natural gas and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Because New York State encourages the use of clean-burning fuels, Burt’s customers are eligible for a Clean Fuel Credit. By using our B20 blend, you can claim a 20-cent-per-gallon tax credit on your state income taxes. For the average customer using 750 gallons a year, that is a $150 savings right back in your pocket at tax time.

Upgrade Your Comfort Today with Burt’s Reliable

Don’t let an inefficient furnace drain your wallet this winter. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency oil furnace can slash your annual heating costs by up to 20%.

If you are ready to discuss an upgrade or need expert maintenance and repair in Suffolk County and surrounding areas, trust the team at Burt’s Reliable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your home warm and your bills low.