With so many brands to choose from, purchasing a new oil furnace can be a daunting challenge. And if you’re not careful, selecting an inefficient or poorly made unit will cost you (the owner) in the long run.
According to Home Guide, buying an oil furnace can cost, on average, between $2,500 to $6,000, with high-efficiency oil furnaces retailing at between $3,000 and $10,000.
Sadly, these estimates don’t include labor or an oil tank reserve. It can also be a shock to a new owner that a forced-air oil furnace can cost between $80 and $145 a month to run.
Generally, an oil furnace costs 2.5 times more than a gas system. But they are highly efficient, with condensing oil furnaces being rated around using 80% to 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher this rating is, the more money you can save on heating.
Heating oil is easy to find anywhere in the country and produces more British Thermal Units (BTUs) per volume burned than other fuel types.
Now, how did we go about selecting our top 12 oil furnaces?
Table of Contents
Best Oil Furnaces This Year: Our Criteria and Results
When selecting our best oil furnaces, we went through many product brochures and investigated multiple reviews.
But the most vital figure to review is how efficient it is. An old oil furnace will have a rating of around 60% – 70% AFUE. Over time, these older models will be more costly, as a 70 percent AFUE means that of every dollar spent on oil, 70 cents goes to heating and 30 cents is lost.
A single gallon of heating oil holds around 139,000 BTU of heating energy. This means a furnace of 80% AFUE extracts 80% of this potential energy – or 111,200 BTUs, while a furnace with 90% AFUE can utilize 125,100 BTUs.
While other elements will assist in making some oil furnaces more efficient, generally, the AFUE percentage is what you’re looking for when choosing a new unit for your home.
Now, to list our top picks from the best brands in the market.
| Brand | Model | Pros | Cons | Link To Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heil |  | OLV QuietComfort® 87 Low Boy Oil Furnace | Quiet performance High AFUE rating | Fairly low BTUs at price range | Click to check price |
| Olsen |  | Airco Lowboy Series (BCL) | Price point wise, its efficiency is welcomed High BTUs | Parts’ warranty is not as impressive compared to the competition No real brand presence and limited client feedback online | Click to check price |
| Thermoflo |  | PLB 098/112 Low-Boy Package | Is powder coated Good AFUE rating | Low BTUH ranging between 77,000 and 112,000 BTUH Powder coating is not unique, but color option is welcomed | Click to check price |
| Bryant |  | Legacy Line OBM Oil Furnace | Barometric draft control Trustworthy brand | Could be more efficient when compared to competitors | Click to check price |
| Lennox® |  | Elite® Series ELO183 Oil Furnaces | Very inclusive products Trustworthy brand | Bad reviews on own website Doesn’t include variable speed – which supposedly isn’t worth it | Click to check price |
| Rheem® |  | Classic Series Highboy & Lowboy Oil Furnaces | Great warranty High AFUE and BTUs | Great brand, but could squeeze more from its AFUE | Click to check price |
| Thermo |  | Pride OME Series | Great for mobile homes Efficient | Not great online support Brand recognition is poor | Click to check price |
| ADAMS |  | Lowboy Series Condensing Oil Fired-Furnace | The best AFUE rating High BTUs | Brand is unknown and could be a risk investing in | Click to check price |
| Armstrong Air |  | L85UFV | Precise performance AFUE 85% | Unknown bran | Click to check price |
| Trane |  | XP80 Oil Furnace | Best quality Efficient AFUE | You pay for the brand | Click to check price |
| Miller |  | Model CMF2 | Good looks Titanium-treated parts | Only 80% AFUE | Click to check price |
| Ducane |  | L85V | AFUE 85% Variable Speed | Not the master brand – which is Lennox | Click to check price |
As mentioned, there are other criteria to investigate when selecting an oil furnace for your home.
One factor we took note of was the brand’s reputation. With an industry this niché, you want HVAC specialists building your furnace. Also, some brands have been building furnaces for over 90 years.
Warranties also matter with oil furnaces as they are meant to last upwards of 20 to 25 years before needing to be replaced or being made redundant by technological advancements.
Oil furnaces also come with stages. Single-stage heating is usually reserved for older models. When turning on a single-stage furnace, it runs at 100% until it has reached its desired temperature. Generally, these are cheaper to install.
A multi-stage heating furnace has more than one setting and can operate on a low-power mode, delivering constant heat throughout the day. Providing multiple stages of heating means it is more efficient and quieter.
The last is a modulating heating furnace which is the most efficient energy-wise. It rarely needs to work at 100% and gradually heats up the room. Overall, it is the most expensive, but it will help keep energy bills lower in the long run.
Noise is also a factor to remember. Old oil furnaces can be loud. Make sure to ask about the running noise of the unit.
When selecting a unit for your home, consider where it will be installed. Think about the physical, as well as furnace sizes. This will determine if you need a low boy – an oil furnace that is short in stature.
And lastly, always make sure to purchase a unit that doesn’t need to run at full capacity to heat your home.
Now that we’ve reviewed the best oil furnace selection criteria let’s begin with our top 12 selections.
Best Oil Furnaces for 2023
After paging through the brochures and reading the many reviews online, we’re confident in our selections.
While we try to narrow down the exact unit best suited for a general demographic, finding a product that will suit your requirements is near impossible unless you get a custom fabricator. This being said, you’re bound to encounter other issues going that route.
But generally speaking, these are the oil furnaces best suited for the following needs.
Heil OLV QuietComfort® 87 Low Boy Oil Furnace: The Quiet Boy
If you’re an individual that struggles with noise, selecting an oil furnace that promises to operate quietly is a must. Heil pledges that the OLV QuietComfort® is the ultimate in quiet performance.
It also offers variable-speed blowers, which deliver consistent temperature control and comfort and can be set up to manage air purification and humidity control.
With an AFUE of up to 87,5%, it is also efficient, with the capability of heating from 70,000 to 154,000 BTUs.
Pros:
- Quiet performance
- High AFUE rating
Cons:
- Fairly low BTUs at price range
Heil OLV QuietComfort® comes with two 10-year warranties. The first is a no-hassle replacement limited warranty, and the second is a limited parts warranty. And because it is made by Heil, the OLV QuietComfort® comes with a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty.
Homeowners looking for a quiet oil furnace will definitely like this option.
If you’re interested in finding out about pricing, follow the link below.
But what if you’re looking for more BTUs?
Olsen Airco Lowboy Series (BCL): Bringing the Heat
While all old furnaces provide homeowners with ample heat, some appliances will bring more. This is the case for the Olsen Airco Lowboy Series unit, which delivers up to 231,000 BTUs.
And with an efficiency rating of up to 87.2% AFUE, the Olsen Airco is also economical to run.
Pros:
- Price point wise, its efficiency is welcomed
- High BTUs
Cons:
- Parts warranty not as impressive when compared to the competition
- No real brand presence and limited client feedback online
Olsen is focused on producing products that will allow its clients to claim back on incentives and rebates.
And a unit that produces this much heat at such an amazingly economical level is perfect for the green-conscious homeowner.
Find your local dealer here if you want to install an oil furnace that brings the heat.
But what if you’re looking for an efficient oil furnace with a beautiful powder coating?
Thermoflo PLB 098/112 Low-Boy Package: Powder Coated
While getting your oil furnace powder coated isn’t precisely necessary, the fact is, there are many benefits to doing it, namely, extending the longevity of the unit by preventing rust.
It is also an extremely efficient unit with an AFUE of up to 87.5%.
Pros:
- Is powder coated
- Good AFUE rating
Cons:
- Low BTUHs ranging between 77,000 and 112,000
- Powder coating is not unique, but color option is welcomed
The Thermoflo PLB 098/112 offers two different motor systems: the direct drive or the variable speed. Also, the oil furnace allows for easy access to work on wiring and the control board.
But with its powder coating and efficient AFUE rating, the unit promises many years of use.
You can find your closest distributor of Thermoflo products here.
Bryant Legacy Line OBM Oil Furnace: An Advanced Legacy
As one of the top-rated and trusted brands in the industry, many will swear by the legacy line. It promises to deliver efficiencies of up to 86.4% AFUE and an “audio-comfort experience” with quieting flue silencer baffles.
Pros:
- Barometric draft control
- Trustworthy brand
Cons:
- Could be more efficient when compared to competitors
So, what exactly does Barometric draft control do? Well, also referred to as barometric dampers, it assists with helping to maintain consistent airflow through the stacks and helps to maintain the best level of negative pressure so the burner can perform at an optimum level.
In layman’s language, good airflow allows for better heating, and the Bryant Legacy Line OBM Oil Furnace delivers a capacity of 77,000 to 154,000 BTUHs.
The system also has multiple other features, making it a great option.
You can find your closest dealer here for those sold on the idea of buying into a legacy.
Lennox® Elite® Series ELO183 Oil Furnaces: The Most Expensive Isn’t Always the Best
Lennox® is a leader in the HVAC industry and offers two oil furnace models. The top-of-the-range Dave Lennox Signature oil furnace offers users variable-speed fans. But due to the poor feedback on their site about the minimal differences between cheaper models, we will suggest the Elite® series.
Offering up to 83% AFUE, the unit produces between 101,000 and 113,500 BTUHs. But with an innovative combustion chamber that utilizes alumina-silica ceramic fiber, and an insulated blower compartment, it will provide a quiet and efficient operation.
Pros:
- Very inclusive products
- Trustworthy brand
Cons:
- Bad reviews on own website
- Doesn’t include variable speed – which supposedly isn’t worth it
If you’re sold on purchasing a unit that will reliably deliver heat throughout the home, the Lennox® Elite® Series ELO183 Oil Furnace is what you want. The brand recognition and quality components promise to deliver consistent heat for years.
Find your closest stockist by clicking the button below.
But for those who want a classic with variable motor speeds, the following brand is for you.
Rheem® Classic Series Highboy & Lowboy Oil Furnaces: A Classic with Variable Speed Motors
Available in two configurations, the Rheem® Classic Series offers premium units that will deliver consistent heat throughout the house.
Configurations of these units can be tailored to your needs with front and rear flues in the lowboy model.
Pros:
- Great warranty
- High AFUE and BTUs
Cons:
- Great brand, but could squeeze more from its AFUE
With its recognisable branding, delivering upwards of an 85.9% AFUE and 84,000 to 175,000 BTUs, this furnace offers more than the previously mentioned competitor.
The units also allow for easy access to areas that require cleaning.
If you’re keen to call a professional to install your new Rheem unit, you can do so by clicking the button below.
But what if your home is mobile?
Thermo Pride OME Series: Great for Mobile Homes
Most of the oil furnaces we’ve reviewed are unsuitable for installation into a mobile home. But Thermo Pride’s OME series bucks the trend. With an 86% AFUE rating and available with an ECM Blower Motor, which is Energy Star qualified, this is a unit that doesn’t skimp on efficiency due to its mobility.
Pros:
- Great for mobile homes
- Efficient
Cons:
- Not great online support
- Brand recognition is poor in some areas
Handbuilt in the USA, the Thermo Pride brand boosts a 75-year heritage of delivering products that many Americans have learnt to trust.
It’s also been designed to be easy to clean and is simple enough to access so users can replace washable filters.
Squarely developed for the mobile home market, this product is for a specific demographic.
You can find pricing here if you’re sold on not experiencing another miserable winter in a cold mobile home.
But what if you need the most efficient oil furnace on the market?
ADAMS Lowboy Series Condensing Oil Fired-Furnace: World’s Most Efficient Oil-Fired Furnace
Claiming an astonishing 95% AFUE rating, the ADAMS lowboy series furnace may not boast the brand recognition of other brands, but it is a winner in efficiency.
Pros:
- The best AFUE rating
- High BTUs
Cons:
- Brand is unknown and could be a risk investing in
Also producing between 50,000 and 250,000 BTUs, the ADAMs Lowboy series punches above its class. This is down to the patented Turbo-Reversed-Air System or TRA. The TRA allows the system to maintain its high static pressure. It also promises the most uniform airflow at its combustion head.
For those interested in following up and purchasing a unit, you can do so – here.
If you’re still apprehensive about the brand, you can also opt for something better-known.
Armstrong Air L85UFV: The Better-Known Brand
Well-known amongst those in the trade, Armstrong’s Highboy offers precise performance with an AFUE of 85%. It also provides a combination of an oil furnace and an electric heat pump.
Pros:
- Precise performance
- AFUE 85%
Cons:
- Less than desirable warranty
With its clean-cut pump that offers a mechanical shut-off safety stop, it is designed to ensure that oil doesn’t drip in the combustion chamber, halting flair-ups and dirt.
Armstrong is a brand desired by most in the industry and those looking for a furnace they can trust.
You can find out more about it here.
But are there any other trusted oil furnaces on the market?
Trane XP80 Oil Furnace: A Trusted Brand With Heritage
With a heritage that spans back to 1891, Trane is a brand that many Americans trust and know well. The XP80 oil furnace offers an AFUE of 85% and comes with a variable-speed blower motor with Comfort-R™, the brand’s humidity control system.
Pros:
- Best quality
- Efficient AFUE
Cons:
- You pay for the brand
Other features included with the XP80 are its insulated cabinet and blower compartment. These features ensure it operates quietly, and with its reputation for quality, you shouldn’t have an issue when installing a Trane.
For those sold on purchasing a Trane, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a local dealer here.
But what if your oil-burning furnace isn’t hidden away? You might want an appliance that’s a looker.
Miller Model CMF2: A Good Looker
We’re not going to sugarcoat it, oil furnaces are not great to look at. Usually, this isn’t an issue as they are installed in an attic or basement. But if you’re looking for a furnace that will be seen, then the Miller Model CMF2 is what you want to install in your home.
Pros:
- Good looks
- Titanium-treated parts
Cons:
- Only 80% AFUE
While not the most efficient or capable of producing high BTUs, it can be integrated with most air-conditioning systems, has a quality cabinet, and is overall a quality product.
If you need to showcase your oil furnace, then you can locate your local distributor – here.
But what if you’re looking for something else?
Ducane L85V: Something a Little Different
The Ducane L85V is not the most popular unit, but it comes with many standard features others only offer as optional extras. Namely, steel brush finish and barometric damper, to name a few.
It also includes the programmable valve-on delay and motor-off delay.
Pros:
- AFUE 85%
- Variable Speed
Cons:
- Not sold as the master brand – which is Lennox
As an oil furnace that is developed by Lennox, you don’t pay for the brand name, and you get all the benefits.
If you’re keen to invest in something just a little different, you can do so – here.
Now that we’ve listed our top 12 selections, it is time to talk about our top selection.
Our Final Result and Picks for the Best Oil Furnaces
With clients focusing on the importance of efficiency, many of the oil furnace brands that operate in the sector have had to up their game. Almost all the mentioned furnaces had an AFUE of over 80%.
With this said, the most efficient furnaces didn’t automatically make the top three selection. At the end of the day it was the additional features that the product offered and the brand’s reputation of reliability that pushed it up the rankings.
Another factor was whether or not the furnace had variable speeds.
But our top three selections are:
| Brand | Model | Pros | Cons | Link To Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducane | | L85V | AFUE 85% Variable Speed | Not the master brand – which is Lennox | Click to check price |
| Heil | | OLV QuietComfort® 87 Low Boy Oil Furnace | Quiet performance High AFUE rating | Fairly low BTUs at price range | Click to check price |
| Bryant | | Legacy Line OBM Oil Furnace | Barometric draft control Trustworthy brand | Could be more efficient when compared to competitors | Click to check price |
The Ducane L85V is an excellent all-around package with the mother brand Lennox providing support for parts and manufacturing but at a lower price. It also comes with all the bells and whistles you want from your oil furnace.
When it came to the Heil OLV QuietComfort®, its quiet operation and high AFUE make it perfectly designed for the household.
And finally, the Bryant Legacy Line includes many additional extras with the backing of its brand.
We’d honestly say go ahead and purchase any of these products, Ducane, Heil, and Bryant.
Now, it’s time to answer your frequently asked questions (FAQ).
People Also Ask
Why Buy an Oil Furnace?
So, why choose oil furnaces when compared to electric heaters and heat pumps?
The simple fact is electric heaters don’t produce enough BTUs for conditions to be comfortable in a frigid winter. Also, they are costly to run and, in some cases, the most expensive to operate.
What Is The Highest Efficiency Oil Furnace Today?
The Adams AHEO Highboy Condensing is the best oil furnace as it delivers an amazing 95% AFUE while producing between 58,000 and 115,000 BTUs.
What Is The Best Replacement For An Oil Furnace?
When looking to replace your best oil furnace, gas-condensing furnaces are far more efficient than oil furnaces and are cleaner. Opinions vary widely, and it is best to consult a local expert.
How Much Is A Good Oil Furnace?
The best oil furnace, the Ducane, retails for around $1,325 for the oil furnace unit, while the installation costs $5,415.
At the top end of the market, a Trane unit will set you back $2,360, with installation costing roughly $6,800.
What Type Of Oil Burner Has The Best Efficiency?
The most efficient oil burner is one that condenses the oil into a vapor.
What Is The Most Reliable Oil Furnace Brand?
Consumers have reported that oil furnaces produced by Rheem are the most reliable.
Are Oil Furnaces Being Phased Out?
Most devices that rely on fossil fuels are being phased out slowly, even the best oil furnaces.
The UK is aiming to phase them out by 2026.
Are Newer Oil Furnaces More Efficient?
Yes, most modern units have an efficiency above 80% AFUE. Older units would be lower than 70% AFUE.
Is It Cheaper To Heat With Oil Or Electric?
At the moment, most will say oil is cheaper than electricity when heating a home. But the variables that individuals use to measure the results vary a lot. Again, the best course of action is to ask a local expert in your area.
Do I Need To Clean My Oil Furnace Every Year?
It is recommended that you call in a professional HVAC specialist to clean your furnace every year.
Is It Ok To Turn Off My Oil Furnace In Summer?
Turning off your furnace can speed up rusting due to condensation. So, instead, leave it on, operating at a low level.
Summary: Our Final Result and Picks for the Best Oil Furnaces
With most Americans looking at minimizing their spending and appreciating the importance of efficiency, many of the oil furnace brands are providing more for less.
When selecting your new oil furnace, you must choose the unit that suits your needs. Also, it’s worth noting that oil furnaces will need to be serviced by a professional in your area, which means some of these brands might not be available through your contractors.
This being said, our top three selections are:
| Brand | Model | Pros | Cons | Link To Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducane | | L85V | AFUE 85% Variable Speed | Not the master brand – which is Lennox | Click to check price |
| Heil | | OLV QuietComfort® 87 Low Boy Oil Furnace | Quiet performance High AFUE rating | Fairly low BTUs at price range | Click to check price |
| Bryant | | Legacy Line OBM Oil Furnace | Barometric draft control Trustworthy brand | Could be more efficient when compared to competitors | Click to check price |
It’s clear there are many oil furnaces on the market currently, with every one of them bringing something new to the table. But out of the many websites we’ve crawled through, our top three choices offer products that are reasonably priced, efficient, and reliable.
You can go ahead and purchase any of these products, Ducane, Heil, and Bryant.
Also read: How Can I Heat My House Without a Furnace?
