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guide below to troubleshoot common oil furnace problems and determine if you need to call a professional for repairs. While some maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, it’s important to know your limits and when to seek professional help. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with heating systems and electrical components.

Overall, oil furnaces require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and avoid breakdowns. By keeping up with routine tasks and monitoring the system for any issues, you can extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months.

If you’re experiencing problems with your oil furnace or oil heater, you can refer to the troubleshooting chart provided on the next page to help find a solution. Additionally, for more information on home repair, you can visit the following links which cover topics such as furnace maintenance, major appliance repair, small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance.

Cleaning or replacing filters is often the solution to an oil furnace not performing at its best, and this is a task that anyone can do. The troubleshooting chart provided below can help identify whether a filter change is what’s needed to fix the problem with your furnace.

The chart covers a range of potential issues, including the furnace not running, the burner not firing, and not enough heat. It provides possible causes for each issue and recommended solutions, such as checking for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, turning on a separate power switch, waiting 30 minutes for a motor overload, and cleaning oil filters and pump strainers. If problems persist, it’s recommended to call a professional for assistance.

The table below provides solutions to common problems with oil furnaces. If you encounter any of these issues, refer to the corresponding solution. If the problem persists, seek professional help.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Blower won’t stop running	1. Blower control set wrong.	1. Reset thermostat from ON to AUTO.
	2. Limit switch set wrong.	2. Reset limit switch.
Furnace noisy	1. Access panels loose.	1. Mount and fasten access panels correctly.
	2. Belts sticking, worn, or damaged.	2. Spray squeaking belts with fan belt dressing; replace worn or damaged belts.
	3. Blower belt too loose or too tight.	3. Adjust belt.
	4. Motor and/or blower needs lubrication.	4. If motor and blower have oil ports, lubricate.
	5. Burner dirty.	5. Call a professional.
Stack control faulty.		Call a professional.

Remember to change your oil filters twice a year. Find out how to do it on the next page. For more home repair articles, check out the links provided.

How To Clean and Replace Oil Furnace Filters

To maintain your oil furnace, it’s important to change or clean the oil filter at the start of the heating season and midway through the season. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Close the oil shutoff valve between the fuel tank and filter.

Step 2: Unscrew the bottom or cup of the filter housing and remove the filter.

Step 3: If the filter is disposable, insert a new one of the same size and type. If the furnace has a permanent filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 4: Replace old filter gaskets with new ones.

Step 5: Screw in the bottom of the housing and open the oil shutoff valve.

Some oil furnaces have a pump strainer, located on the pump attached to the burner/blower unit. Clean this strainer when you clean the oil filter. Here’s how:

Step 1: Unbolt the cover of the pump housing (where the oil line enters the burner) and lift off the cover.

Step 2: Remove the thin gasket around the rim. Find and remove the strainer, which is a cylindrical or cup-shaped wire mesh screen.

Cleaning the Oil Furnace Pump Strainer

To clean the pump strainer of your oil furnace, you will need a few tools and supplies, including a wrench, kerosene, an old toothbrush, and a replacement pump strainer and gasket.

First, soak the strainer in kerosene for several minutes to loosen any built-up sludge. Then, carefully clean the strainer with an old, soft toothbrush.

If you notice any tears or severe bending in the strainer, it’s time to replace it with a new one of the same type. Set the new strainer into place on the pump, add the new gasket to the rim, and bolt the cover of the pump housing back on.

If your furnace continues to malfunction, it may be the stack control causing the issue. The stack control is a safety device located in the stack that monitors the operation of the oil burner. If it detects a problem, it will shut off the motor. Learn how to check and fix a malfunctioning stack control in the article below.

Check out the links below for more articles on home repair, including furnace maintenance, major and small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance.

burner fails to ignite, check the fuel tank and refill it if necessary. If the tank doesn’t need to be refilled, press the reset button on the stack control. If the burner still doesn’t ignite, clean the control by following these steps. Start by removing the bolts that hold the control in the stack and pull out the sensor and its housing. Then, use a brush dipped in soapy water to remove all the soot from the control. Wipe the control dry with a soft cloth. Before replacing the control, clean the stack by disassembling it and removing soot and debris from each section. After cleaning the sections, reassemble them in reverse order, making sure the sections are properly aligned and firmly connected. Finally, reposition the stack control in the stack and reseal the connection to the chimney with refractory cement. If the burner still doesn’t ignite, call a professional service person.

Some oil furnaces have an electric-eye safety switch instead of a stack control. Remove the access cover over the photocell and wipe it clean of accumulated soot. Reassemble the switch, replace the cover, and turn the power back on. If the burner still doesn’t ignite, call a professional service person. Do not attempt to replace these controls yourself. However, you can set the switches, which must be ON for the furnace to operate.

For more home repair articles, check out the links provided. Some oil furnaces may have two master switches, one near the burner unit and the other near the furnace housing. Ensure both switches are turned to the ON position. The limit switch is a safety control switch located on the furnace just below the plenum.

When a plenum becomes too hot, the limit switch will shut off the burner and blower. If the blower runs continuously, either the blower control on the thermostat is set to the ON position, or the limit control switch needs adjustment. To identify the issue, check the thermostat. Change the blower control to AUTO if it is set to ON. If it is already on AUTO, the limit switch requires adjustment. Remove the control’s cover and find the toothed dial underneath. The side marked LIMIT should not be touched. There are two pointers on the FAN side. The blower turns on at the upper pointer setting and shuts off at the lower pointer setting. Adjust the pointers to be approximately 25 degrees apart. Set the upper pointer at around 115 degrees Fahrenheit and the lower one at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The draft regulator on the stack is closed when the burner is off and opens automatically when the burner is turned on. Accumulated soot and rattling indicate that the draft regulator needs adjustment. Too much air in the chimney wastes heat, while too little air wastes fuel by failing to burn it completely. To adjust the airflow, screw the counterweight inward to increase it or turn it outward to decrease it. A professional service person should adjust the draft regulator as part of regular annual maintenance.

Call a professional service person to adjust the burner of an oil furnace. Although major issues with an oil furnace cannot be fixed, this article provides information on how to handle most of the problems that may occur. For more articles on home repair, check out the following links: Furnace Maintenance, Major Appliance Repair, Small Appliance Repair, and Thermostat Maintenance.

FAQ

1. What are some common signs that my oil furnace needs repair?

If you notice a lack of heat, strange noises, or a burning smell coming from your oil furnace, it may need repair. Additionally, if you see soot or smoke coming from your furnace, this can also be a sign that it needs maintenance.

2. Can I repair my own oil furnace?

We strongly advise against attempting to repair your own oil furnace. Oil furnaces are complex machines that require specialized knowledge and experience to fix. Attempting to repair your own furnace can be dangerous and can lead to further damage and expense.

3. How often should I have my oil furnace serviced?

You should have your oil furnace serviced at least once per year. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your furnace.

4. What should I expect during an oil furnace repair visit?

During an oil furnace repair visit, a technician will inspect your furnace for any issues and make any necessary repairs. This may include cleaning the furnace, replacing filters or belts, and replacing any damaged parts. The technician will also test the furnace to ensure that it is functioning properly.

5. How can I find a reputable oil furnace repair company?

You can start by asking for recommendations from friends and family or by searching online for local oil furnace repair companies. Make sure to read reviews and check the company’s accreditation and licensing before hiring them.

6. What is the average cost of an oil furnace repair?

The cost of an oil furnace repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of any necessary parts. On average, repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more.

7. Can a dirty air filter cause my oil furnace to malfunction?

Yes, a dirty air filter can cause your oil furnace to malfunction. A dirty filter can cause your furnace to overheat, which can lead to damage and breakdowns. Make sure to replace your air filter regularly to prevent this from happening.

8. How can I prolong the life of my oil furnace?

You can prolong the life of your oil furnace by having it serviced regularly, replacing filters as needed, and keeping it clean and well-maintained. It’s also important to make sure that your furnace is properly sized for your home to prevent overuse and breakdowns.

9. What should I do if my oil furnace stops working?

If your oil furnace stops working, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat to make sure it is set correctly. If the thermostat is working properly, you should contact a professional repair company to inspect and repair your furnace.

10. Can I switch from oil to natural gas heating?

Yes, it is possible to switch from oil to natural gas heating. However, this can be a complex and expensive process that requires professional installation and potentially new equipment. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the switch.

11. How can I prevent my oil furnace from breaking down in the winter?

You can prevent your oil furnace from breaking down in the winter by having it serviced before the cold weather hits. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and ensure that your furnace is functioning properly when you need it most.