Written on: September 29, 2025
Has your heating oil furnace been giving you more trouble than comfort these past few winters? If so, you’re not alone. Most heating oil furnaces start losing reliability after 15–20 years, and even sooner if proper maintenance has not been done.
At some point, you’ll need to ask: is it worth repairing, or is it time to invest in a replacement? While repairs can sometimes buy you more time, upgrading to a high-efficiency heating oil furnace often proves to be the smarter long-term move. Not only can a new system save you 20% or more on annual heating costs, but it can also cut down on expensive repair bills and deliver a noticeable boost in home comfort.
And those savings really add up—after just a few seasons, the energy efficiency of a modern system can offset much of the upfront cost.
Along with age, there are other important factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your heating oil furnace. (The same guidelines apply if you rely on a hot water or steam boiler instead of a warm-air system.)
When faced with a breakdown, compare the repair cost to the cost of replacement. As a rule of thumb, if the repair bill comes to at least half the cost of a new furnace, replacement usually makes more financial sense. You’ll avoid pouring money into a unit that may continue to fail.
Efficiency is where older systems fall far behind. An aging furnace might be running at 70% efficiency—or worse. That means almost one-third of the heat you’re paying for is going straight out the chimney. By contrast, today’s heating oil furnaces run at 85% efficiency or higher, giving you more heat for less fuel. If your efficiency gap is wide, replacement is often the most cost-effective choice.
Every home has different heating demands. Renovations like a new addition, finished basement, or remodeled space can significantly change your home’s heating load—the amount of energy needed to keep things comfortable.
If you’ve made (or plan to make) improvements to your New York or Connecticut home, you’ll want to be sure your new furnace is properly sized for your space. The experts at Westmore Fuel can help you figure out the right BTU capacity to ensure your comfort all winter long.
When you look at the numbers, upgrading often comes out on top. But there are times when repair may be the more practical choice, such as:
Think of your heating system as a long-term investment. The right decision should balance cost, comfort, and plans for your home. If you’re leaning toward replacement, Westmore Fuel can help you explore your options.
Westmore Fuel partners with the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) to make upgrading easier. NEIF offers flexible EnergyPlus financing with 3-, 5-, and 10-year loan terms available for qualifying purchases through approved contractors like Westmore. Even better—NEIF does not run credit reports, so your credit won’t be affected. Learn more about NEIF financing here.
Since 1938, Westmore Fuel has been serving families from Greenwich, Darien, and Stamford to Port Chester, Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, and White Plains. Our commitment to reliable service and efficient comfort solutions has never changed.
Contact us today to join the Westmore Fuel family of customers and get the dependable heating service and support you deserve.