Did you know that oil furnaces are the most popular choice in areas with limited access to natural gas? These places rely on oil furnaces to heat their homes even during the harshest weather conditions. The only way to ensure that this happens is by doing regular maintenance.
Read on to find out about 5 oil furnace maintenance tips to keep your oil furnace working effectively.
1. Look for Signs
When working on oil furnace maintenance, you need to look for any signs of black soot. If soot is outside of the furnace, it could mean the unit is doing more than burning oil.
You can also look for signs by checking your chimney. If the smoke coming from the chimney while the furnace is on is black, it could mean the oil is not being completely burned.
2. Listen for Sounds
A part of oil burner maintenance is paying attention to the sounds the machine is making. Any unusual sounds like vibration or rattling could be cause for concern.
An odd sound coming from the furnace will require professional maintenance. You will need to call the experts such as Williams Service Company to help you out.
3. Change the Air Filter
Oil furnace servicing requires you to change the air filter regularly. Depending on the brand of furnace you own, you will have to change the air filter out accordingly. This can usually be found in the operator’s manual.
If you are unsure how often to change the air filter, you can get help from the professionals. Normally, it is best to clean or change the filter at least two times a year. It is also important to note that you may have to change the filter more frequently if you have pets in the home.
4. Have a Checklist
After you have done the three most common types of maintenance checks, you need to go over your checklist. An oil furnace maintenance checklist should include the following:
- Oil burner inspection
- Clean heat exchanger
- Inspect or replace oil nozzle
- Oil filter replacement
- Flame sensor inspection
- Burner fan cleanse
- Vacuum readings check
- Fuel lines check
This checklist is made up of things an HVAC professional will most likely have to handle. If you are aware of this checklist, you can at least understand what needs to be fixed and tell a professional exactly what the problem is. This can get the overall maintenance done quicker.
5. Clean
Oil furnace cleaning is the most important part of maintenance. Cleaning your furnace regularly can give it a longer lifespan.
To clean it, you need to turn off the furnace and wait for it to cool off. Using a vacuum with a hose, clean dust anywhere around the furnace. Dust removal can help reduce allergens and prevent particles from going around the entire house.
After the dust is picked up, vacuum the burner and blower cavities. Make sure the pilot is off and get rid of any dust on it. Cleaning is the best oil furnace maintenance tip.
Oil Furnace Maintenance Explained
If you want your oil furnace to last longer and stay in the best shape possible, you need to follow these oil furnace maintenance tips. If you are unable to get through this checklist on your own, call the professionals to help you with all your furnace needs.
For more information on oil furnace maintenance, contact us today!