guide above to troubleshoot and determine if it’s a simple fix or if you need to call in a professional. Remember to always prioritize safety when dealing with any type of furnace repair.
If you’re having trouble with your oil furnace or oil heater, check out the troubleshooting chart below to see if you can fix the problem yourself. One common issue is dirty or clogged filters, which can be easily cleaned or replaced. However, if the problem persists, it may be best to call a professional.
In addition to this chart, you can also find helpful articles on home repair by following the links provided. These articles cover furnace maintenance, major appliance repair, small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance.
Remember to always check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, and make sure your fuel tank is full. If you’re not comfortable performing any of the suggested solutions, call a professional.
Use the table below to troubleshoot common problems with oil furnaces and heaters:
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| 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. |
Oil filters should be changed twice a year. Find out when and how to do it on the next page.
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.
How To Clean and Replace Oil Furnace Filters
The oil filter should be changed or cleaned at the start of the heating season and about midway through the season. Here’s how to clean or replace the filter:
Step 1: Close oil shutoff valve between fuel tank and filter.
Step 2: Unscrew bottom or cup of filter housing, and remove filter.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Replace old filter gaskets with new ones.
Step 5: Screw in bottom of housing, and open oil shutoff valve.
Some oil furnaces have a pump strainer, which is 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 cover of pump housing (where oil line enters burner), and lift off cover.
Step 2: 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
If your oil furnace isn’t working properly, it may be due to a dirty pump strainer. Here’s how to clean it:
What You’ll Need:
Step 1: Turn off the furnace and allow it to cool down completely. Step 2: Locate the pump strainer, which is usually at the bottom of the oil pump, and remove the cover using a wrench. Step 3: Soak the strainer in kerosene for several minutes to loosen any built-up sludge. Carefully clean the strainer with an old, soft toothbrush. Step 4: Inspect the strainer. If it’s torn or badly bent, replace it with a new pump strainer of the same type. Step 5: Set the strainer into place on the pump, place a new gasket on the rim, and bolt the cover of the pump housing back on. If the furnace still isn’t working, the problem may be with the stack control. Learn how to check and fix it in the next section. For more articles on home repair, check out the following links:
How to Clean the Oil Furnace Stack ControlThe stack control of the oil furnace is a safety device that monitors the operation of the oil burner. If the burner fails to ignite, the stack control shuts off the motor. However, a furnace shutdown is often caused by a malfunctioning stack control rather than by the burner. Here’s how to clean it: burner fails to ignite, check the fuel tank and refill it if necessary. If the tank is not the issue, press the reset button on the stack control. If the burner still does not ignite after pressing the button once, clean the control. The stack control will gradually become covered with soot during the heating season, so it is important to clean it every month or as soon as it becomes soot-covered. To clean the stack control, remove the bolts that hold the control in the stack and pull out the sensor and its housing. Use a brush dipped in soapy water to remove all the soot from the control and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Clean the stack by tapping each section firmly on a newspaper-covered floor to remove the soot and debris. Reassemble the sections properly and firmly connect them. Reposition the stack control in the stack and reseal the connection to the chimney with refractory cement. Do not attempt to replace these controls yourself. If the stack control or electric-eye safety switch is especially dirty, call a professional service person for adjustment. To operate the furnace, make sure the master switches are turned to the ON position. The limit switch is a safety control switch located on the furnace just below the plenum. If the plenum of an oil furnace becomes too hot, the limit switch will shut off the burner and the blower. If the blower continues to run, it is either because the blower control on the thermostat is set to ON or the limit control switch needs to be adjusted. To diagnose the 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 locating the toothed dial marked FAN. Set the upper pointer at 115 degrees Fahrenheit and the lower one at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The draft regulator, located on the stack, needs to be adjusted if there is accumulated soot or rattling. To adjust the airflow, screw the counterweight inward to increase it or outward to decrease it. It is important to have a professional service person adjust the draft regulator as part of regular maintenance. Do not attempt to adjust the burner of an oil furnace; call a professional. With the information provided in this article, most problems with an oil furnace can be handled. For more home repair articles, check out the links provided. FAQ1. What are the common problems with oil furnaces? Common problems with oil furnaces include clogged filters, malfunctioning thermostats, dirty burners, and faulty ignition systems. 2. How do I know if my oil furnace needs repair? If your oil furnace is producing unusual noises, emitting strange smells, or not heating your home properly, it may be time for repair. 3. Can I repair my oil furnace myself? It is not recommended to repair your oil furnace yourself unless you have experience and knowledge of HVAC systems. It’s best to hire a licensed professional. 4. How often should I have my oil furnace serviced? It’s recommended to have your oil furnace serviced annually to prevent problems and ensure efficient operation. 5. How much does it cost to repair an oil furnace? The cost of repairing an oil furnace varies depending on the extent of the damage and the parts needed. On average, repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to $800. 6. How long does it take to repair an oil furnace? The length of time it takes to repair an oil furnace depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can take a few hours, while major repairs may take a few days. 7. What is involved in oil furnace repair? Oil furnace repair involves diagnosing the problem, replacing any damaged parts, cleaning the furnace, and testing the system to ensure proper function. 8. How can I prevent my oil furnace from breaking down? To prevent breakdowns, you should have your oil furnace serviced annually, change the air filter regularly, and keep the area around the furnace clean and free of debris. 9. How can I improve the efficiency of my oil furnace? You can improve the efficiency of your oil furnace by keeping it clean, replacing the air filter regularly, sealing air leaks in your home, and using a programmable thermostat. 10. What should I do if my oil furnace stops working? If your oil furnace stops working, you should check the thermostat, the circuit breaker, and the oil tank level. If these are not the problem, you should call a licensed professional for repair. 11. How long does an oil furnace last? An oil furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance and care. 12. Should I repair or replace my oil furnace? If your oil furnace is more than 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a new, energy-efficient model. A licensed professional can help you determine the best course of action.  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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