
Waste oil furnaces burn oil that can no longer be used for its intended purpose, such as automotive or vegetable oil. In addition, the nozzle on the burner unit may need to be replaced as well as the oil filters used to remove impurities from the fuel prior to the oil being vaporized and ignited. In terms of maintenance, oil-fired furnaces develop deposits of soot and carbon on the heat exchanger surfaces which require periodic removal to maintain efficiency. Oil furnaces require an on-site storage tank. With a lifespan of 30 years, oil furnaces tend to be less expensive than gas furnaces, but oil (often imported) is more expensive than gas and prices can be volatile. Most new oil-fired furnaces have AFUE ratings of 80 to 90 percent and are popular in areas with limited access to natural gas. Gas furnaces have a lifespan of up to 25 years and are easier to maintain than oil furnaces because they tend to stay clean despite use.

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Gas furnaces carry the danger of carbon monoxide leaks, making it necessary to install carbon monoxide detectors. Gas is the cleanest burning of non-renewable energy options. New gas furnaces have an AFUE rating of 89 to 98 percent. While gas furnaces are more expensive than oil furnaces, paying for the installation of a municipal gas line may add to the costs. Gas-fired furnaces are used in about 57 percent of American homes, making gas the most commonly-used heating fuel. The first part of this article will explore different types of furnaces classified by the fuel or method by which heat energy is generated: Considerations include the cost of the furnace itself, the cost of the fuel used, venting requirements, and the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which indicates the efficiency of the furnace’s combustion.

The heat energy that fuels a furnace may be generated through fuel combustion, electricity, and other means. Types of Furnaces for Heating Homes and Buildingsįurnaces provide heat to homes and other buildings by blowing heated air through ducts that deliver warmth to different rooms.
