How to Maintain an Oil Furnace

Operating an oil furnace does require slightly more maintenance than most other types of furnaces. There are many similarities but also additional extra steps that need to be taken to assure a long lasting and trouble free heating system. Many simple steps can be taken by the homeowner themselves to prevent premature breakdown. Always follow your users manual and do shut off any power supplies before attempting any maintenance other than filter replacement.

Regular maintenance:

All furnaces should have regular maintenance. Furnace filters should be replaced on a regular basis. Follow the guidelines by the filter manufacturer and in households with with a large number of pets, or a sandy outdoor environment, it is sometimes beneficial to replace the filter more frequently than suggested.

Older blower motors may require a yearly oiling. Newer sealed units do not. If you have a belt driven system, check the belt for wear or cracking and replace if needed. Check and clean your thermostat for accumulated dust and debris. If you have a mercury based thermostat be sure it is not out of level.

Keep you return air and registers clean and unobstructed to allow for proper air flow. Your furnace needs proper air flow to function and a build up of heat inside the system can damage it.

Specific maintenance for oil furnaces:

Keeping an oil furnace clean is a major part of the maintenance required. Oil furnaces do produce a greasy soot and this can lead to build up quickly. Clean the blower before the first start up of the heating season and again mid-way through the season. Also clean any soot from the stack control.

Oil filters should be cleaned or replaced at the beginning of the season and again about halfway through. Follow your owners manual for instructions. Most oil furnaces have a filter assembly similar to automotive oil filters and are not extremely difficult to replace.

If your furnace has an oil strainer this should also be cleaned when you replace your oil filter. Again you should follow instructions from your owners manual for your particular furnace. If your strainer shows any signs of damage it should be replaced. Debris in the oil can damage your oil pump and cause premature system failure.

Always check for any oil leaks in your tank or supply lines. Leaks will require professional repair but the earlier they are caught the better off you will be. You should also check the color of the smoke coming from your chimney. Black smoke is an indication of improper burning and will require professional adjustment.

Your oil furnace should serve you well, the most important thing is to keep it clean and free of soot build up. Cleaning and filter replacement on a regular basis will help keep your oil furnace trouble free.

References:

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/disasterresp/HomeImprovement/2111.pdf
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/how-to-maintain-a-furnace2.htm