While many of the advancements in technology over the past years have focused on smart technology and electrical systems, oil and gas furnaces have seen their own changes and improvements. If you’re in the market for an upgrade to your existing system or you’re considering converting from oil to gas or electric, make sure you have all the information to make the best decision possible for your Easton, Pennsylvania, home. You may be surprised at the options you have now.
The State of Oil Furnaces
In our part of Pennsylvania, oil furnaces are still fairly common, but in many areas across the country, homeowners often convert their oil furnace to natural gas furnace or an electric heat pump. The fluctuating price of oil has contributed to a decline in oil furnace sales over the past few years. However, converting to natural gas or electric is expensive for many people. With this in mind, makers of oil furnaces and products continue to develop new enhancements for oil furnaces.
Different Oil Furnace Options
Technology has improved different functions for oil furnaces allowing them to run more efficiently and keep homeowners more comfortable during the winter months.
- Hybrid systems combine geothermal technology and oil burning furnaces.
- Two-stage barrier systems can make fuel use more efficient.
- Variable speed blowers are now available on newer oil furnaces, causing furnaces to blow more quietly and still heat a home as well as, if not better than, older models.
A Better, More Eco-Friendly Oil
Furnaces and parts aren’t the only breakthroughs for oil furnaces. Bioheat is a heating oil blended with animal or plant oils created to make oil furnaces more efficient. It burns cleaner and reduces sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions. Best of all, many existing furnaces can use Bioheat without major modifications. A qualified technician should oversee the change from your existing fuel to Biofuel.
More Efficient Oil Furnaces from Carrier
As a Carrier partner, we offer top-of-the-line oil furnace options. The Performance line comes with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of at least 86 percent, making certain sizes of furnaces Energy Star qualified. These units come with variable speed blowers to reduce noise and keep you comfortable all winter long.
Gas Furnace News
Gas furnaces continue to be an excellent option for many homes. A 2013 study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that most gas furnaces will run efficiently for 20 years, as long as they are installed by a professional technician. When installed correctly, the study also found that owners may see a 6.4 percent improvement in efficiency.
New Gas Furnaces from Carrier
We carry the top gas furnaces by Carrier, in addition to oil furnace options. The Infinity 98 with Greenspeed intelligence is the most advanced available. It has a unique modulating gas valve that, when coupled with Infinity control, lets the furnace adapt its output to the needs of your home. It runs more smoothly, easily, and efficiently to heat your home in the winter.
Replacing Your Older Furnace
Whether you go with oil or gas, replacing an older furnace guarantees you’ll see an increase in fuel efficiency. Prior to 2013, there were few requirements for minimum AFUE ratings, and many furnaces had an AFUE rating of 56 to 70 percent. As part of the replacement process, make sure the rest of your home is sealed tight and is as energy-efficient as possible for heating and cooling. This will make sure the efficiencies you see in the new furnace aren’t lost to poor insulation or leaking ducts.
Whatever you choose to do — switch from oil to gas, change to Bioheat oil, or replace your entire furnace — always work with a qualified professional. Working with combustible gases and the overall heating and cooling of your home shouldn’t be left to someone without the necessary knowledge and experience to do the job right. Only someone who knows what they’re doing will be able to tell you all your options and make sure you have the best heating unit for your home.
When you’re ready to discuss new options for your current furnace or you’re looking to replace your existing furnace, contact us at Sullivan Oil & Propane at (610) 810-3992.
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