Oil Furnace Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...
With our oil furnace ratings, you can take a professional repairman along while you shop. We have researched the brands from all over the world and compared them with each other. The result is our unique sytem of oil furnace comparisons.
We have given each brand a rating of from 1* to 5*. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a unit for our own home, that is the brand we would choose. Where more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive if it was available. We have also included our comments and observations about the products based on our service experience.
For a fair comparison, we have ranked the brands in three categories. The first category is for basic units which typically have the least features, the lowest operating efficiency, and the lowest price. The second category is for variable speed units which feature a variable speed blower motor for improved comfort and slightly better operating efficiencies. They generally tend to cost a bit more. The final group is for condensing oil furnaces. These units have the most features and the highest operating efficiencies but are also the most expensive.
BRAND---------WEBSITE--------BASIC-----VS---CONDENSING
ADAMS-adamsmanufacturing.com---<1*-----NA------5* This is the only manufacturer of a 95% AFUE condensing oil furnace. The units are available in four styles to fit any installation situation and can be vented with PVC pipe which is easier and less expensive. The unit also has a durable stainless steel heat exchanger.
AIREASE------airease.com--------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The ADVANTAGE 80 units are basic units while the ENHANCED 80V units have a variable speed blower motor. Both ranges offer units in highboy, lowboy, and horozontal/downflow configurations to meet any installation need. They have an advanced GeniSys burner control and are backed by a good warranty.
AMERICAN STANDARD---------------2*-----4*------NA This brand is a part of INGERSOLL RAND. The SILVER SI units are basic units with an efficiency of 82% but the standard warranty is not as good as many other brands. The warranty can be extended with their comfort plans but it usually costs more. The PLATINUM XV units have a variable speed blower and COMFORT-R controls for better humidity control during the summer. They have a slightly higher efficiency at 85% and are backed by a much better guarantee than the basic model. (americanstandardair.com)
ARCOAIRE-----arcoaire.com-------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). They offer a variety of styles of furnaces and have a good warranty. The NOUF 105 model is a basic upflow furnace with a ceramic combustion chamber and stainless steel heat exchanger for durability. The NOMV models also have a variable speed blower motor for enhanced comfort and better indoor air quality.
ARMSTRONG AIR--armstrongair.com-4*-----4*------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The "BETTER" 80 units are basic units that are available in high boy, low boy, or downflow/horozontal styles. The units have a ceramic combustion chamber for durable, efficient operation and are backed by a good guarantee. The "BEST" 80V units have a variable speed blower motor for enhanced comfort and less noise. The units are backed by a good warranty including a lifetime guarantee on the heat exchanger.
BARD---------bardhvac.com-------2*-----3*------NA These units are available in hi-boy, lo-boy, and counterflow styles and offer either standard or variable speed fan motors. The basic units have a standard warranty that is not very good on parts other than the heat exchanger.
BROAN--------broanhvac.net------4*-----4*------NA This brand is a part of NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. They offer a variety of configurations to fit your home including high-boy, low-boy, horozontal and compact units. They are backed by a good guarantee including a ten year quality pledge where, if the heat exchanger fails in ten years, the entire unit is replaced under the warranty.
BRYANT-------bryant.com---------4*-----4*------NA This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES. The OBM units (a part of their LEGACY LINE) can be installed in four different positions and are compact for easy installation. The 374RAN units (part of their PREFERRED SERIES) have an 83% AFUE and a variable speed blower motor. The units are backed by a good warranty including lifetime on the heat exchanger.
CARRIER-residential.carrier.com-4*-----4*------NA The COMFORT 80 series units are basic units with a barometric draft damper. They can be installed in four different configurations. The PERFORMANCE OVL/OVM units are basically the same except a variable speed blower motor is added. All of the units feature a good warranty including a lifetime guarantee on the heat exchanger which is the heart of the unit.
CENTURY----heatcontroller.com---2*-----NA------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER and offers a wide selection of units to fit almost anywhere. They have a durable ceramic combustion chamber and the heat exchanger is backed by a lifetime guarantee but the other parts do not have a good warranty.
COMFORT-AIRE-heatcontroller.com-2*-----NA------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER and offers a wide selection of units to fit almost anywhere. They have a durable ceramic combustion chamber and the heat exchanger is backed by a lifetime guarantee but the other parts do not have a good warranty.
COMFORTMAKER-comfortmaker.com---4*-----4*------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The OCF 105 is a basic model that has a ceramic combustion chamber for durability and efficiency. The OLV and NOMV models have a variable speed blower and durable stainless steel heat exchangers. All of the models offer an optional direct vent kit and are backed by a good warranty.
CONCORD---- concord-air.com --4*-----NA------NA This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES which is a part of LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. They are basic units and are available in upflow, counterflow, or basement models. The "basement" models are compact units for those older basements with low ceilings. The manufacturer's website is not much help but they are backed by a good warranty.
CROWN BOILER--crownboiler.com--<1*-----2*------NA This brand is a part of BURNHAM HOLDINGS. They offer five different models so they will fit almost any type of installation. The units are ready to add an air conditioner and they offer an optional sidewall direct vent kit. They feature a durable efficient ceramic lined combustion chamber. The HIBOY SHORTY unit has a standard blower motor but a variable speed option is available for improved efficiency and comfort. The standard warranty on parts other than the heat exchanger is not very good.
DETTSON------dettson.ca---------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from GROUP OUELLET and is sold in Canada. The OMF/OMV oil furnaces are multi-position units that have a durable stainless steel combustion chamber. They offer optional variable speed fan motors, a sealed combustion kit, and a side wall vent kit for flexibility in installation. They are backed by a good warranty.
DORNBACK--dornbackfurnace.com--<1*-----NA------5* The basic models from this brand are available in four configurations to fit most any installation situation. They have a ceramic combustion chamber but the warranty on the units (especially the heat exchanger) is not very good. They are the only manufacturers offering a 95% AFUE condensing oil furnace. It has a durable stainless steel heat exchanger and can be vented through a three inch pvc pipe.
DUCANE-------ducanehvac.com-----2*-----NA------NA This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES which is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. They offer basic units in upflow, horozontal, and lowboy configurations. They have an average warranty.
EFM----------efmheating.com----<1*-----NA------NA This brand offers a variety of models to fit all installation requirements. They have a durable ceramic lined combustion chamber but their website is not much help and the warranty on the furnaces is not very good.
ENTERPRISE FAWCETT -------------1*-----NA------NA These units are made in Canada and are available in North America. The manufacturer's website (enterprise-fawcett.com) does not have very much information for the homeowner but they do have a dealer locator with links. The warranty on the unit's heat exchanger is not very good.
FRIGIDAIRE---frigidaire.net-----4*-----4*------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. They are backed by a very good warranty which includes their "10 YEAR QUALITY PLEDGE" where the unit is replaced if the heat exchanger fails within ten years. The 04HD series offers both basic and variable speed units in a standard upflow configuration. The brand also offers low boy and downflow models.
GRANBY--granbyindustries.com----2*-----3*------NA These units are made in Canada and are available in North America. The CONFORTO 4 WAY MULTIPOISE model is a available in a basic model that features a three pass heat exchanger and durable stainless steel combustion chamber. It is also available as a premium model with their ECM blower motor. The warranty is not as good as some brands.
HEIL---------heil-hvac.com------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The OCF 105 is a basic model that has a ceramic combustion chamber for durability and efficiency. The OLV and NOMV models have a variable speed blower and durable stainless steel heat exchangers. All of the models offer an optional direct vent kit and are backed by a good warranty.
KEEPRITE-----keeprite.com-------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The OCF 105 is a basic model that has a ceramic combustion chamber for durability and efficiency. The OLV and NOMV models have a variable speed blower and durable stainless steel heat exchangers. All of the models offer an optional direct vent kit and are backed by a good warranty.
KELVINATOR---kelvinatorhvac.com---4*-----NA------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. It is a basic unit with a very good warranty including their ten year quality pledge. (That is where they replace the entire unit if the heat exchanger fails during its first ten years.) Their website is not much help.
KERR-----granbyindustries.com-----2*-----3*------5* This brand is made in Canada and sold through distributors in Canada and the U.S.A. They are available in multi-position units to fit your installation requirements. They are direct vent capable and have an AFUE of up to 87%. The PARADIGM models are the most efficient units on the market featuring condensing technology. They have durable stainless steel heat exchangers and are air conditioner ready with TRUE AIR MODULATION for enhanced humidity removal.
LENNOX-------lennox.com---------2*-----4*------NA The O23 units are part of their ELITE series. They have an 83% efficiency and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger but the guarantee on the other parts is not as good as some other brands. The O23V is part of the "DAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE COLLECTION" and has a variable speed blower motor and a very good warranty. The OF23V is a lo-boy version of their premium furnace.
LINCOLN---- lincoln-hvac.com --2*-----NA------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and is sold in Canada. They are available in "low boy" models to fit into tight spaces. They are basic furnaces with an average warranty.
MAYTAG-------maytaghvac.com-----5*-----5*------NA This brand name is licensed to NORDYNE. The M120 series has four styles of units to match your installation requirements. The M1200 series units are variable speed. All of the units are backed by the best warranty in the industry. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website to help you find the closest dealer.
METROMATIC---metromatic.com----<1*-----NA------NA These units feature very basic technology and are available in the New England area. The warranty on the heat exchanger is very good but the standard warranty on all the other parts is for only one year.
NEWMAC-----newmacfurnaces.com--<1*-----NA------NA This brand is available in the U.S. and Canada. The units are available in highboy, lowboy, and multi-position models. The LFR model is a sealed vent unit but is only rated for a 2.5 ton air conditioner.
NUTONE-------nutonehvac.com-----4*-----4*------NA This brand is from NORDYNE and is backed by a very good warranty. They have an efficiency rating of 80%. They have a dealer locator by zip code,city/state, or full address on their website to help you to locate the nearest dealer. (nutonehvac.com)
OLSEN--------olsenhvac.com------2*-----NA------NA This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. They are basic units with direct vent units available. They offer a "COMFORT PLUS" extended warranty and have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.
ONEIDA ROYAL-oneidaroyal.com----2*-----NA------NA This is another brand from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The HOB series units are multi-position units that are available in five sizes. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.
PHILCO--nordyne.com/Philco------3*-----NA------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The O4 series units have an AFUE of up to 84% and a pretty good warranty. They have a dealer locator by state on their website.
PSG--- psg-distribution.com -<1*-----NA------NA These units are from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. They offer basic units with either atmospheric venting or direct venting. The units are sold through dealers but the warranty on parts (except for the heat exchanger) is not very good when compared to other brands.
REGAL---boyertownfurnace.com---<1*-----NA------NA This brand is from BOYERTOWN FURNACE. They are basic units with a parts (except for the heat exchanger) warranty that is too short. They have a dealer locator on their site but only using states.
RHEEM--------rheemac.com--------2*-----3*------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The ROCA HIGHBOY series and ROLA LOWBOY series units are for upflow installations only. They offer either a standard or variable speed fan. The warranty (except for the heat exchanger) is not as good as some brands.
RUUD---------ruudac.com---------2*-----3*------NA This brand is made by RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. They are identical to the RHEEM units except for the name and the model numbers.
TAPPAN-------tappan.net---------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The TECH 1 units are your basic oil furnace while the TECH 2 units have a variable speed blower. They are backed by a very good warranty. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or by full address on their website.
TEMPSTAR-----tempstar.com-------4*-----4*------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The OUF PERFORMANCE series models feature a ceramic combustion chamber and all of the standard features plus a good warranty. The OLV series has a durable stainless steel heat exchanger and a variable speed blower motor for enhanced comfort.
THERMOFLO williamson-thermoflo.com 2*--3*------NA The brand offers a variety of models including sealed combustion units for higher operating efficiency. They offer an optional two stage burner for added comfort and efficiency. The warranty on the heat exchanger is good but the guarantee on most other parts is not as good as other brands. The CENTENNIAL models are available with a variable speed blower motor for added comfort and efficiency.
THERMO PRIDE-thermopride.com----4*-----4*------NA This brand is from THERMO PRODUCTS LLC. The units have an "octatherm" heat exchanger that is copper powder coated for better transfer of heat and durability. They also have a ceramic combustion chamber for better heating and longer heat exchanger life. The PREMIER series units have a variable speed fan motor for added comfort and efficiency. The furnaces are backed by a good warranty but the dealer network is somewhat limited.
TRANE--------trane.com----------4*-----4*------NA This brand is a part of INGERSOL RAND. The XP80 is a basic oil furnace with a ceramic fiber combustion chamber for durability. The XV80 model has a variable speed fan motor for quieter and more efficient operation. The units are backed by a good warranty.
WESTINGHOUSE-westinghousehvac.com-4*----4*------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The O4HD models have an 80% efficency and are available as basic models or with a variable speed blower motor. They are backed by a very good warranty.
WILLIAMSON williamson-thermoflo.com 2*-----NA------NA The brand offers a variety of models including sealed combustion units for higher operating efficiency. They offer an optional two stage burner for added comfort and efficiency. The warranty on the heat exchanger is good but the guarantee on most other parts is not as good as other brands.
WINCHESTER-hamiltonhomeproducts.com <1*-----NA-----NA This brand is manufactured by YORK which is owned by JOHNSON CONTROLS. The WOH series is available in three sizes (80000, 100000, and 120000 btu/hr) and in upflow, horozontal, or lowboy models. They have a ceramic combustion chamber for durability but the warranty on the units (especially the heat exchanger) is not good. They have an online store so that the do it yourselfer can purchase them.
YORK---------york.com----------<1*-----NA------NA This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The DELUXE PHM series is really just your basic oil furnace with a warranty that is sub-standard. The warranty can be extended through their "YORKCARE" program. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.
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