guide below to troubleshoot common problems and determine whether it’s time to call in a professional for repair or replacement.
It’s important to keep up with regular maintenance for your oil furnace in order to prevent costly repairs and ensure efficient heating. While some parts should only be serviced by a professional, there are simple tasks you can do yourself such as cleaning the blower and stack control, lubricating fittings, and checking the smoke from the chimney. By following these oil furnace maintenance tips, you can keep your furnace running smoothly throughout the heating season.
If you are experiencing problems with your oil furnace or oil heater, refer to the troubleshooting chart below for possible solutions. You can also check out the links provided for more information on home repair, including furnace maintenance, major and small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance. One common issue with oil furnaces is dirty or clogged filters, which can be easily cleaned or replaced. The chart includes a list of possible problems, their causes, and solutions, such as checking for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, refilling the fuel tank, cleaning filters and pump strainers, and balancing the system. If the problem persists, it is recommended to call a professional for assistance.
The following are some common furnace problems and how to fix them:
– Stack control faulty: Call a professional.
– Blower won’t stop running: 1. Reset thermostat from ON to AUTO. 2. Reset limit switch.
– Furnace noisy: 1. Mount and fasten access panels correctly. 2. Spray squeaking belts with fan belt dressing; replace worn or damaged belts. 3. Adjust belt. 4. If motor and blower have oil ports, lubricate. 5. Call a professional if burner is dirty.
– Oil filters should be changed twice a year. To learn how to do it, read the next page.
For more articles on home repair, check out the links provided. Additionally, learn how to clean and replace oil furnace filters by following these steps:
– Close oil shutoff valve between fuel tank and filter.
– Unscrew bottom or cup of filter housing, and remove filter.
– If filter is disposable, insert new one of same size and type. If furnace has permanent filter, clean filter according to furnace manufacturer’s recommendations.
– Replace old filter gaskets with new ones.
– Screw in bottom of housing, and open oil shutoff valve.
If your oil furnace has a pump strainer, clean it by following these steps:
– Unbolt cover of pump housing (where oil line enters burner), and lift off cover.
– Remove thin gasket around rim. Find and remove strainer, which is a cylindrical or cup-shape wire mesh screen.
How to Clean the Pump Strainer of Your Oil Furnace
If you want to clean the pump strainer of your oil furnace, you will need a wrench, kerosene, an old, soft toothbrush, and a replacement pump strainer and gasket. Follow these steps:
If the furnace still doesn’t work, the problem may be with the stack control. This safety device monitors the operation of the oil burner and shuts off the motor if the burner fails to ignite. However, sometimes a malfunctioning stack control can cause a furnace shutdown. To learn how to check it and what to do about it, see the next section. |
How to Clean the Oil Furnace Stack Control
The stack control of an oil furnace is located in the stack and is responsible for monitoring the operation of the oil burner. If the burner fails to ignite, the stack control shuts off the motor. However, if your furnace shutdown is caused by a malfunctioning stack control, you can follow these steps to clean it:
- Step 1: Turn off the furnace and let it cool down completely.
- Step 2: Locate the stack control, which is usually found in the stack near the oil burner.
- Step 3: Remove the wires from the stack control terminals.
- Step 4: Unscrew the stack control from the stack and remove it.
- Step 5: Clean the stack control with a soft brush or cloth, making sure to remove any dust or debris.
- Step 6: Check the stack control for cracks or other signs of damage. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one of the same type.
- Step 7: Reinstall the stack control, reconnect the wires, and turn the furnace back on.
If you’re not comfortable performing these steps yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional to avoid any further damage to your furnace.
For more articles on home repair, check out the following links:
- Furnace Maintenance: Save yourself time and money by learning the steps to keep your furnace in prime condition.
- Major Appliance Repair: If the furnace isn’t the only thing in your house on the fritz, you can learn how to fix other machines in this article.
- Small Appliance Repair: Once you’ve tackled the furnace, a toaster or blender seems like child’s play. Find out how to fix them here.
- Thermostat Maintenance: To make sure there’s actually a problem with your heating system, you may want to check the thermostat, too. Learn how to calibrate a thermostat.
burner fails to ignite, check the fuel tank and refill if needed. If the tank doesn’t need refilling, press the reset button on the stack control. If the burner still fails to ignite, clean the stack control by following these steps: remove the control from the stack, clean it with a brush dipped in soapy water, and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Clean the stack by disassembling it, removing soot and debris from each section, and reassembling the sections in the correct order. Reposition the stack control and reseal the connection to the chimney with refractory cement. If the furnace has an electric-eye safety switch instead of a stack control, remove the access cover over the photocell, wipe it clean, reassemble the switch, and turn the power back on. Do not attempt to replace the controls yourself, and call a professional service person if needed. Two master switches may be present on some furnaces, one located near the burner unit and the other near the furnace housing. Ensure both are turned on. The limit switch is a safety control switch located on the furnace below the plenum.
If the plenum of an oil furnace becomes too hot, the limit switch will turn off the burner and the blower. If the blower continues to run, it could be due to the blower control being set to ON or the limit control switch needing adjustment. To solve this problem, check the thermostat and change the blower control to AUTO if necessary. If the blower control is already on AUTO, adjust the limit switch by removing the cover and finding the toothed dial marked FAN. Set the upper pointer at around 115 degrees Fahrenheit and the lower one at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, about 25 degrees apart. The draft regulator, located on the stack, needs adjustment if there is accumulated soot or rattling. To increase airflow, screw the counterweight inward, and to decrease airflow, turn it outward. A professional service person should adjust the draft regulator as part of regular annual maintenance. Do not try to adjust the burner of an oil furnace; call a professional service person. With the information in this article, most of the problems that may arise with an oil furnace can be handled. Check out the links for more articles on home repair, including furnace maintenance, major appliance repair, small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance.
FAQ
1. What are common issues with oil furnaces?
Common issues with oil furnaces include clogged filters, malfunctioning thermostats, faulty ignition systems, and clogged fuel lines.
2. How do I know if my oil furnace needs repair?
You may notice that your home is not being heated evenly, or that there are strange smells or noises coming from your furnace. Additionally, if your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be time for repairs or replacement.
3. Can I repair my oil furnace myself?
While some minor issues, such as changing the air filter, can be done by homeowners, it is recommended that most repairs be done by a professional HVAC technician to ensure safety and proper functioning of the furnace.
4. How often should I have my oil furnace serviced?
Oil furnaces should be serviced annually by a professional technician to ensure that they are functioning properly and efficiently.
5. What is involved in oil furnace repair?
This can vary depending on the specific issue, but it may involve cleaning or replacing filters, repairing or replacing faulty parts, or cleaning the furnace and fuel lines.
6. How much does oil furnace repair cost?
The cost of repairs can vary depending on the specific issue and the cost of parts and labor in your area. It is recommended to get a quote from a professional technician before proceeding with repairs.
7. How long does oil furnace repair take?
The length of time it takes to repair an oil furnace can vary depending on the specific issue, but most repairs can be completed within a few hours to a day.
8. Can a malfunctioning oil furnace be dangerous?
Yes, a malfunctioning oil furnace can be dangerous as it can produce carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause illness or even death. It is important to have your furnace serviced annually to ensure safety.
9. How do I choose a reliable HVAC technician for oil furnace repair?
You can ask friends and family for recommendations, check online reviews, and ensure that the technician is licensed and insured. It is also recommended to get a written estimate before proceeding with any repairs.
10. Can regular maintenance prevent the need for oil furnace repair?
Yes, regular maintenance, such as annual servicing and cleaning, can help prevent the need for costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your oil furnace.
11. Should I repair or replace my oil furnace?
This can depend on the age and condition of your furnace, as well as the cost of repairs. A professional technician can provide a recommendation based on your specific situation.
Brody is a skilled craftsman and gardening expert. From renovating living spaces to cultivating lush gardens, Brody’s knowledge and passion shine through, inspiring readers to embark on their own home improvement and gardening journeys with confidence.
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