The oil furnace installed in your home is supposed to keep you and your family warm and cozy during the winter season. For that, it needs to be in perfect working condition. However, oil furnaces can run into several types of problems and need repairs from furnace services. So, if your oil burner is acting fishy, here are some troubleshooting tips that will help you get it running back to normal.
The Furnace Suddenly Goes Off
If your furnace suddenly goes off, it most probably means the thermostat has not been set correctly or there is low fuel. It could also be that the air filter is clogged and you need to clean or replace it. So, check the thermostat settings first.
If you are not aware of how to adjust the thermostat, you should consult the user manual. If the thermostat settings seem fine, you should check the fuel level and then the air filter. In most cases, the culprit comes out to be the issue.
No matter how much it is stressed, the majority of people tend to ignore the replacement of the air filter. The air filter is specifically designed to keep the contaminants and toxicants away before the air is circulated inside the house. So, if the air filter tends to be clogged, your furnace will struggle to breathe.
Excessive Smoke Coming From The Furnace
Another common problem faced by furnaces is excessive smoke. The potential reasons might be a lack of draft, blockage in the furnace, or a warped/cracked gasket. To troubleshoot the issue, inspect the combustion chamber and observe if there is excessive heat.
If you detect excessive heat, it means there is a blockage in the oil burner. Furthermore, a lack of draft can also contribute to the excessive smoke issue. It happens when the flue pipe of the furnace is too long. This issue is rare but it’s a good idea to check.
And finally, the gaskets that are around the inspection door can be cracked or damaged. If that is the case, smoke will escape from the door and the gaskets will need to be replaced.
The Furnace Is Burning Excessive Fuel
If you observe that your oil furnace is burning excessive fuel, it could be that it is dirty, the blower motor needs lubricating, poor ductwork, or the furnace simply is not appropriate for your property. The size of the furnace has a lot to do with its heating capability.
Therefore, you cannot expect a small furnace to heat an entire mansion. Therefore, in the case of your furnace burning excessive fuel, you will need to check a couple of things. First, check the nozzle and replace it if required.
Next, you should check the ductwork for leaks and cracks, etc. Plus, lubricate the blower motor parts. And finally, find out if your furnace is appropriate for your house. For that, consult an expert.
The Furnace Won’t Come On Or Startup
An oil furnace that simply won’t come on or startup could be frustrating. It could be that the pilot flame needs cleaning, a problem with the gas valve, or a faulty connection in the thermostat. The first thing you check is the buttons. It might be that someone has accidentally switched off a button.
Next, try pressing the reset button. Make sure that you do not do it more than once or twice as it could cause the oil to back up and ignite. Allow the furnace a minute or so to start. If the problem persists, you should check the gas valve.
Unfortunately, if there happens to be a problem with the gas valve, you will need to call in an expert to fix the issue. Fixing it on your own carries a lot of risks. If that is not the issue, you should try cleaning the pilot ignitor.
And upon trying everything above, you still are not able to solve the problem, check the circuit breaker. Locate the switch that controls the furnace and see if it’s switched off. It might be that a fuse is blown or the wiring has gone bad.
Final Word
Troubleshooting an oil furnace can be tricky. However, you can prevent most of them by maintaining and looking out for unusual sounds and activities. And if something comes up, refer to the user manual and hire oil burner repair services Long Island if a solution cannot be found.
