Safety of Oil fueled furnaces?

Question

We are buying a new property that has two oil burning furnaces and I am at a complete loss!! Are they better and safer than natural gas ones? is there anything I should look for? All i know is they are new and everything has been maintained. any info would be great!!

Answer 1

As a realtor and a homeowner who once had an oil burning furnace, I think I can help you here. The new oil furnaces have come a long way in the past 40 years. The new ones are much cleaner, more efficient, and definetly can save you money over gas and electric generated heat. I will hope that your newer furnace includes a tank or tanks that are above ground, where any leaks can be immediately addressed. The chances of having a leaking above ground oil tank are much, much less than in the past, when tanks were buried underground for the astetic value and to minimize the eyesore or looking at them. Generally, the tradeoff isn't worth it, as a tank that is underground can leak quietly and continueously for years without anyone being the wiser, contaminating ground water for years to come. In any case, an oil fired heating furnace requires a little more upkeep than say, gas or electric, but not that much. I would suggest investing in good carbon monoxide detector and check it regularly,especially after service calls, when most tend to have a problem, but one can develop at any time, having a carbon monoxide detector can minimize the chances of a castrophe and endangering your family's lives. Having maintaince done yearly BEFORE the heating season begins is the best time actually is the summer. Also, the best time to get the unit cleaned and checked and also usually the lowest price for oil, although not always. Generally, the cost of oil over gas and electric is historically lower. So over time, you will notice that while your neighbors are paying those huge gas and electric bills to heat their homes, you will enjoy relatively modest price increases over all. Although the past 2 heating seasons have been relatively high compared to the past 20 years, its still cheaper, longterm. To also help with any problems should you have an underground tank, consider investing in a tank policy or checking to see if your homeowners would cover any leakage in the event one is discovered. Also, if you are planning on selling the home, having that policy in place prior to a contract can help alliviate a future home buyers reluctance to purchase your property because of an underground oil tank. You may also consider having the oil tank removed from underground and brought above ground for safety, as well as being able to observe any changes in the tank that may need to be addressed. Most oil tanks require little maintaince other than occassional painting to keep rust at bay and keep them looking somewhat attractive. I know of a number of homeowners and business peeople who painted theirs to look like watermelons, pigs and so on. Makes is seem cute instead of an eyesore. In any case, hope this helps you with your new oil furnace.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Oil furnaces are very safe. And like any appliance, maintenance is very important. Most all flame appliances can generate carbon monoxide. Gas is perhaps more likely to explode that fuel oil. But either style, poorly maintained, can burn your house down or ruin it with backed up soot and smoke.

Oil burners typically have a couple more moving parts than a gas one would. But they are not difficult or expensive to maintain.

Oil or natural gas can be bought on a "plan". With oil you can switch suppliers. In a real pinch you can go get Kerosene yourself, if you aren't on a plan and couldn't cover say a 150 gallon delivery. Not usually cost effective, but it'll hold you until payday.

Answer 3

If the furnace was cleaned perhaps the worker shut off the fuel valve for safety and didn't test the furnace so you wouldn't know until you tried to use it and it didn't work. Have you used the furnace since it was serviced?And do you have a booklet for it? Sometimes there is a diagram on the inside of an access door on the furnace. It can tell you of buttons to investigate.

Answer 4

If they are new and well maintained they do not pose a big problem. Oil burners are the most dangerous form of home heat if you don't service them reguarly. Call in a servece man at least once a year to do the required maintenance.