Oil Furnaces for Forced Hot-Air Heating Systems

Forced Air

• A forced air system is a furnace unit that heats air and cycles it throughout the ductwork in your house. Many types of heaters can be forced air, including gas and electrical element versions. Some space heaters may use radiant heat with an oil medium or fuel, but most oil furnaces belong in the forced air category. They use a firebox to spray a mixture of oil and air that is then ignited so the combustion heat can pass through the heat exchange into the air.

Traditional Oil Furnace

• Traditional oil furnaces are the furnaces left in older houses. Gas furnaces and heat pumps did not become common household furnace options until the latter part of the 20th century, so older houses may still have traditional oil systems that run on a specialized heating oil mixture. Because of their age, these furnaces are not as efficient as modern options. These furnaces may also have larger ducts than modern systems.

Wood/Oil Combination

• Wood/oil combination furnaces have one primary firebox, but two fuel options. They are equipped with oil burners that can be used to create heat, along with a grill designed to burn wood fuel as well. This is a useful furnace if you have a steady supply of firewood you do not want to stop using. The models come with two thermostats and can help you save money by supplementing your primary fuel source with a secondary version.

Recycled Oil

• Recycled oil furnaces are modern systems that are designed specifically to burn recycled oils made from vegetable material, re-filtered motor oil and other sources. These furnaces are environmentally friendly, but you need to live near a source for recycled oil or be able to make your own. These oil furnaces can quickly become dirty, so replace your filters often.