If you own a home with an oil furnace, you may be wondering how does oil furnace work. After all, oil isn’t exactly the most common fuel source for furnaces. This blog post will give you a general overview of how oil furnaces work. By the end, you should better understand how this type of furnace operates and why it’s such a popular choice among homeowners.
What Is An Oil Furnace?
Oil furnaces work by burning fuel oil to generate heat. The heat is then distributed throughout the home by a blower motor, which forces air through a series of ducts.
Oil furnaces are typically more expensive to install than natural gas furnaces, but they offer several advantages, including:
- More consistent heating: Oil furnaces tend to generate more consistent heat than natural gas furnaces, making them ideal for homes in colder climates.
- Lower operating costs: Although the upfront cost of an oil furnace may be higher, the operating costs are typically lower than those of a natural gas furnace.
- Increased safety: The fire risk is decreased because there is no open flame in an oil furnace.
- Cleaner burning: Oil furnaces burn cleaner than natural gas, producing fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
- Greater efficiency: Newer models of oil furnaces are highly efficient, meaning they use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to using an oil furnace. For example, oil furnaces require regular maintenance and can be susceptible to breakdowns. They also need a storage tank for the fuel oil, which takes up space in your home.
How Does An Oil Furnace Work?
Oil furnaces draw cold air into the unit through a return duct. The air then passes over a heat exchanger, which is warmed by the hot gases produced by burning fuel oil. These hot gases are channelled into the heat exchanger by a combustion chamber and a set of pipes called flue ways.
The warmed air is then distributed throughout your home by a system of supply ducts. When the furnace is not in use, a damper closes off the supply ducts so that heat does not escape your home. Most oil furnaces also have a blower fan that circulates the air in your home even when the furnace is not on, which helps to distribute the heat throughout your living space evenly.
How to Maintain An Oil Furnace
To keep your oil furnace running smoothly, a qualified technician must have it serviced regularly. A service call will typically include an inspection of the furnace, cleaning the burner and blower assemblies, and testing the furnace’s safety controls.
In addition to regular service calls, you can do a few things yourself to keep your oil furnace in good working order.
- Ensure to check the air filter monthly and replace it as needed. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder than necessary to circulate heated air throughout your home.
- Keep an eye on the fuel tank. When it gets low, order more fuel so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
- If you notice any strange noises or smells coming from your furnace, shut it off immediately and call for service. These could be signs of a dangerous problem that should be addressed by a professional.
These simple things will help you get the most out of your oil furnace and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Conclusion
An oil furnace is a type of furnace that uses fuel oil as its primary fuel source. If you own a home with an oil furnace, it’s essential to understand how this type of furnace works. Oil furnaces are generally more efficient than gas furnaces and require less maintenance. If you need help choosing the right furnace for your home or if you need repairs or maintenance for your existing furnace, contact Furnace Repair Mississauga today!
