Carrier Oil Furnace Guide
What is an oil furnace? An oil furnace is a home heating system that burns fuel oil in a combustion chamber to generate heat. A blower fan then distributes this warm air through ductwork to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, even in extreme cold.
While natural gas models have become the most common type of furnace used in the United States, oil furnaces remain a reliable heating solution, particularly in parts of the Northeast and other areas where natural gas service may not be available.. For homeowners comparing heating options, this page can serve as part of a broader furnace buyer’s guide. An oil system heats your home similarly to a natural gas model but uses fuel oil instead of gas. Fuel oil contains more energy per gallon than natural gas contains per cubic foot, but oil furnaces generally have lower AFUE ratings than many modern gas furnaces..
If your current oil furnace needs replacing, a Carrier oil furnace is a durable option for long-term home comfort. Carrier currently offers oil furnaces with AFUE ratings of up to 87.5%, depending on the model and size.
How Does an Oil Burning Furnace Work?
The short answer: According to Carrier, an oil furnace pulls fuel from a storage tank, ignites it in a combustion chamber to warm a heat exchanger, and uses a blower fan to push that heated air through your home's ducts.
The detailed explanation: An oil burning furnace uses home heating oil supplied by a delivery company and stored in a tank at your home. The entire process is automated for your comfort:
- Thermostat Control: The process begins when your thermostat detects a drop in temperature and signals the furnace to start.
- Ignition: Fuel oil flows into the oil burner within the combustion chamber. Here, the oil is ignited to create intense heat.
- Heat Exchange: This heat warms up the unit’s heat exchanger.
- Air Distribution: A blower fan pulls cool air from your home, pushes it across the heat exchanger, and circulates the now-warm air back into your living spaces through a network of ducts. Carrier's OVM Performance 80 Oil Furnace uses a variable-speed blower, while the OBM Comfort 80 Oil Furnace uses a fixed-speed blower.
When your home reaches the desired temperature, the cycle ends. Visit our how do oil furnaces work page to dive deeper into this technology.
What is the difference between a gas furnace and an oil furnace?
Key difference: The main difference is the fuel source: oil furnaces burn stored fuel oil, while gas furnaces use piped-in natural gas or propane.
Comparison for homeowners:
- Oil Furnaces: Rely on an on-site storage tank and burning fuel oil. They provide a powerful heat source and can be a practical option for homes without access to natural gas infrastructure.
- Gas Furnaces: Use natural gas or propane and can offer higher efficiency depending on the model. However, natural gas furnaces require access to natural gas service, while propane systems require a propane supply.
While oil furnaces require regular furnace maintenance and fuel delivery management, modern Carrier models are engineered for durability and performance. Learn more on our comparing types of furnaces page.
Carrier Oil Furnace Benefits
Why choose oil heat? Oil furnaces can deliver high-temperature supply air and provide strong heating performance, making them a practical choice for homeowners in colder climates and areas without natural gas service.
Oil furnaces rose to popularity in the 1920s for their ability to warm homes without the hassle of coal or wood. Today, they remain an established heating option for homes that use heating oil.
A new, energy-efficient Carrier oil furnace is a cost-effective solution when replacing an older system. Today’s models offer:
- High Efficiency: Current Carrier oil furnace models offer up to 87.5% AFUE, depending on model and size.
- Variable-Speed Airflow: Select Carrier oil furnaces use variable-speed blowers to help provide more consistent airflow and temperature control.
- Enhanced Summer Comfort: When paired with a compatible two-stage air conditioner or heat pump, the OVM Performance 80 Oil Furnace can provide enhanced humidity management.
- Warranty Protection: Eligible Carrier oil furnaces can receive a 10-year parts-only limited warranty or a 5-year parts plus 3-year labor limited warranty with timely registration, along with a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty, subject to warranty terms and eligibility.
| Carrier Model | AFUE | Blower Type | ENERGY STAR Certified? |
| Performance™ 80 Oil Furnace OVL | Up to 87.5% | Variable-speed | Select sizes |
| Performance™ 80 Oil Furnace OVM | Up to 86.4% | Variable-speed | Select sizes |
| Comfort™ 80 Oil Furnace OBL | Up to 87.5% | Fixed-speed | No |
| Comfort™ 80 Oil Furnace OBM | Up to 86.4% | Fixed-speed | No |
Carrier's offers multiple sizes for each model, including36,000, 48,000 and 60,000 BTU/h sizes, with the appropriate size determined by the home's heating requirements.
Daniel Donahue, general manager of Mullen Refrigeration Service in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, explains the benefits of oil furnaces for homeowners.
"Oil furnaces continue to be a popular heating solution in many rural areas where natural gas service isn't readily available," Donahue said. "In regions like Western Pennsylvania, many homeowners rely on heating oil because it provides dependable performance and strong heating capacity, even during the coldest winter weather."
"One of the biggest advantages of an oil furnace is the quality of heat it delivers. Many homeowners describe oil heat as a very comfortable and consistent form of heating. Oil furnaces are capable of producing high supply-air temperatures, which can help homes feel warm and comfortable quickly during colder months."
"Oil heating systems are also well-suited for areas where utility infrastructure is limited. Because fuel is stored on-site, homeowners aren't dependent on natural gas service availability and can maintain a reliable heating source regardless of their location."
"For homeowners who value powerful heating performance and live in regions with harsh winters, an oil furnace remains an effective and proven heating solution. With proper maintenance, today's oil furnaces can deliver dependable comfort and reliable operation for many years."
Pros and Cons of an Oil Heating System
When considering an oil fired furnace, it's important to weigh the benefits against the logistics of fuel storage.
Pros:
- Reliable Heat Source: Oil furnaces can provide strong heating performance in cold weather.
- Installation Flexibility: A practical solution for homes where natural gas service isn't available.
- Efficiency Options: Current Carrier oil furnaces offer AFUE ratings of up to 87.5%, depending on model and size.
Cons:
- Fuel Management: Requires purchasing and storing furnace oil (an additional homeowner responsibility).
- Maintenance: Typically requires regular maintenance to keep the oil burner and heat exchanger operating properly.
- Efficiency: Oil furnace efficiency varies by model. ENERGY STAR's current qualification criterion for oil furnaces is 87% AFUE or greater, while Carrier offers select oil furnace sizes with ENERGY STAR certification.
How Much Do Oil Heating Systems Cost?
Cost overview: The cost of an oil furnace typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 for the unit and furnace installation, although actual costs vary based on equipment, labor, location, ductwork, oil tank requirements and other installation factors.
When researching costs, ensure you are looking for equipment compatible with your home. It is crucial to distinguish between furnaces (which use air ducts) and boilers (which use radiators).
According to HomeGuide.com:
- Standard Install: $2,500 – $6,000 on average (installation included).¹
- With New Tank: If replacing the oil tank, the range increases to $4,200 – $8,800.¹
- High-Efficiency: Advanced models with variable-speed operation can exceed $10,000.¹
- Operating Costs: Depending on fuel oil pricing, monthly operation can cost between $80 - $145.¹
To learn more on this subject, visit our cost to replace oil furnace page.
Key Facts About Oil Furnaces
- Carrier oil furnaces currently offer up to 87.5% AFUE, depending on model and size.
- Carrier's OVM Performance 80 uses a variable-speed blower; the OBM Comfort 80 uses a fixed-speed blower.
- Select sizes of the Carrier Performance 80 OVM are ENERGY STAR certified.
- Eligible Carrier oil furnaces can offer a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty with timely registration, subject to warranty terms.
- Carrier technical literature documents 36,000, 48,000 and 60,000 BTU/h input capacities for certain OVM/OBM configurations.
- ENERGY STAR's current qualification criterion for oil furnaces is 87% AFUE or greater.
- HomeGuide estimates that oil furnace replacement and installation costs average $2,500–$6,000, with costs increasing when an oil tank or other infrastructure also needs replacement.¹
Find a Carrier Oil Furnace Expert
The most accurate way to determine pricing is to get a quote for furnace cost from your local Carrier expert. Your local Carrier dealer understands the specific heating needs of your area and can provide a custom recommendation for a properly sized fuel oil furnace. They can also guide you on oil furnace cleaning best practices to keep your investment running smoothly for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main disadvantage is the requirement for on-site fuel storage and delivery. Unlike gas, which is piped in, homeowners must monitor their tank levels and schedule deliveries. Additionally, oil furnaces typically require more frequent maintenance to prevent soot buildup and ensure the burner operates efficiently.
A well-maintained oil furnace typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. With diligent annual maintenance and timely repairs, high-quality models from reputable brands like Carrier can sometimes last up to 30 years.
An oil furnace converts chemical energy from fuel oil into thermal energy (heat) to warm your home. It sprays oil into a combustion chamber where it ignites, heating a heat exchanger. Air from your home is then blown over this exchanger, warming it up before it is circulated back into your rooms.
Oil furnaces are "better" in terms of raw heating power—they burn hotter and heat homes faster. However, gas furnaces are generally cleaner, quieter, and cheaper to operate due to lower fuel costs. Oil is the superior choice for homes without access to natural gas lines.
Yes, it is possible to switch from oil to gas or electric, but it requires significant retrofitting. You would need to install a gas line or upgrade your electrical panel, and replace the furnace unit entirely. A Carrier expert can assess if your home infrastructure supports a switch.
A properly functioning oil furnace should not produce a lingering smell. While you might smell a faint oily scent immediately after refueling or when turning the furnace on for the first time in autumn, persistent odors can indicate a leak or combustion issue and should be checked by a professional immediately.
About The Author: Ryan Mayes is a Senior Digital Brand Marketing Manager at Carrier who focuses on creating clear, helpful resources on HVAC topics. Ryan’s goal is to guide readers toward smart, confident decisions about their indoor comfort.
About The Expert Reviewer: Seth Faber is a Product Manager for Residential Furnaces at Carrier Corporation, where he helps develop dependable, high-performance heating solutions that deliver reliable comfort while meeting evolving homeowner needs, energy efficiency standards, and industry regulations.