7 Step Oil Furnace Maintenance Checklist

When winter is a few months away, oil furnaces are something people start to think about. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your oil furnace all that often. But it’s important to remember that just like any other piece of equipment in your home, your furnace needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here is an oil furnace maintenance checklist of things to do to keep your system in good shape.

Check Your Oil Furnace

Before beginning autumn furnace maintenance, you must first switch off your furnace. Fortunately, doing so is straightforward and often involves flipping a switch on and off. Before doing any furnace maintenance, it is essential to turn off its fuel supply and electrical power to ensure your safety and the safety of your property.

Ensure that the components of your oil furnace are in excellent condition and show no symptoms of leakage or apparent damage. Visually check all the lines going to and coming from your furnace and oil tank. Inspect the oil level in your oil furnace after making sure everything is in working order. Sludge starts to form in the tank whenever the oil level drops very low, and this sludge might subsequently block your filters, fuel line, and other equipment.

Clean or Replace Your Oil Furnace Filter

If your oil furnace has a clogged filter, it will have to work harder to push air through, leading to problems. A clean filter also prevents dust and debris from circulating through your home. Replacing or cleaning your furnace filter is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oil furnace.

If you have a disposable filter, replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a reusable filter, clean it with warm soapy water and let it air-dry completely before putting it back in place.

Clean The Furnace’s Combustion Chamber

The combustion chamber is where oil is burned to create heat. Over time, soot and debris can build up in the chamber, leading to problems with your furnace. To clean the combustion chamber, you’ll need to remove the chamber cover and use a wire brush to scrub away any built-up debris.

Wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid breathing in soot and debris while cleaning the chamber. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, use a vacuum to remove any remaining debris from the chamber.

Inspect The Furnace’s Vent Pipe

The vent pipe is responsible for carrying combustion gases out of your home. If the vent pipe becomes blocked, it can cause severe problems with your furnace. To inspect the vent pipe, remove the cover from the pipe and look for any signs of blockages. If you see any debris in the pipe, use a brush to remove it.

Replace The Oil Filter

When was the last time you changed the oil filter in your furnace? If you’re unsure, replace it immediately to guarantee that your furnace will function appropriately throughout cold weather. The oil filter prevents small particles that may block the oil burner nozzle and cause the system to malfunction and shut off. It just takes a few minutes to change it, and you should do it at least twice every heating season.

Since it cleans oil before the fuel reaches the furnace, the oil filter is often placed near it. Replace the oil filter by unscrewing the old one and screwing in a new one. Make sure you don’t overtighten the filter, or you may damage the threads.

Clean Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is in the combustion chamber of your oil furnace. Its job is to transfer heat from the hot gases produced by burning oil to the air circulated through your home by the furnace’s blower. Over time, soot can build up on the heat exchanger, which can reduce its efficiency and cause problems with your furnace. Scrub the heat exchanger with a wire brush to remove any soot or debris that has built up on it. Wear gloves and a dust mask while cleaning the heat exchanger.

Test The Burners’ Efficiency

Ready to check the effectiveness of your burner? To achieve this, you must do a combustion analysis that measures the gases in the exhaust flue and determines the furnace’s efficiency. The analysis will also help you determine if the furnace produces harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

If you’re not comfortable performing a combustion analysis, you can hire a professional to do it for you. Experts will be able to tell you if your furnace is operating efficiently and whether or not it needs maintenance.

Conclusion

An oil furnace is essential to your home, and you should ensure it’s running correctly. Following this oil furnace maintenance checklist can keep your furnace in good shape and avoid costly repairs. Be sure to perform these maintenance tasks at least once every year to keep your furnace running smoothly. Don’t forget to schedule a tune-up with a professional before the cold weather hits to ensure your furnace is in good condition.

The post 7 Step Oil Furnace Maintenance Checklist appeared first on Furnace Repair Toronto | 24 Hour Emergency Heating.