How To Maintain and Repair an Oil Furnace

It is true with all devices and equipment that when they are well-maintained, they work more efficiently. The oil furnace is not an exemption. When it is always in good condition, you can expect it to serve your needs effectively. However, there are times that no matter how well you maintain your oil furnace, it may still need repair. Similar devices like a propane furnace, electric furnace, and wood/oil furnace will need repair other than the proper maintenance. That is why maintenance and repair of your oil furnace should go hand in hand.

Good maintenance and proper furnace repair procedures in an oil furnace are the secret to longer and more efficient service from it. So if you own one, or even a natural gas furnace or electric furnace, basic knowledge on dealing with it should always be handy. Poor maintenance is usually the cause of so many serious problems in your furnace. So better check these guidelines for you to know how to properly care for your device.

• Regularly check the smoke coming out of the chimney at times when an oil furnace is being used. Be mindful of the color of the smoke. If it comes out black, it only means that heater is not completely burning the oil, not to mention yet that the oil is being wasted. In this case, you need to call a professional to help make some adjustments.
• Make sure to clean the blower at least twice during a season of use. Once at the beginning and the other at the middle of the season.
• Clean any dirt from the furnace’s stack control found at the middle of the heating season.
• Once you notice grease or oil fittings in the blower motor, lubricate with non-detergent motor oil.
• Clean the thermostat once in a heating season, preferably before it is used.

Whatever kind of furnace you have, wood and oil, natural gas, or propane furnace, it requires proper handling in times that it is subject for repair. You may see that there may be a lot of problems your furnace can encounter. The repair that needs to be done depends on the problem. Some of the problems your furnace might encounter include a not-running furnace, not-firing furnace, producing insufficient heat, turns on/off repeatedly, the furnace blower stops running, and a noisy furnace.

These problems are true to all kinds of furnaces, not just an oil furnace. You can encounter these problems in a propane furnace and electric furnace as well. If you think you can’t handle basic troubleshooting as directed in the user’s manual, it is best to consult professionals. A standard care tip for an oil furnace is that oil filters should be replaced twice every year. It is beneficial for the smooth operation of the furnace. It is admittedly true that performing maintenance and repair procedures in your oil heater may be difficult. However, it is still better to do it rather than buy a new one and be surprised with the furnace prices.

Since furnace prices continue to rise it is best to take extra care of your oil furnace whether it is brand new or an old one. If it gets damaged sooner, it is your money and comfort that are at stake.