What if my oil burner fails to operate?
- Be sure that the oil burner switch is on.
- Thermostat should be set above room temperature.
- Make sure that there is oil in the tank.
- If your boiler is equipped with a low water cut-off, check boiler water level.
- Press the reset button on relay ONCE only.
- Check to see if flame comes on.
- If burner does not run at all, check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
- If you have a digital thermostat, make sure to check the batteries.
If your burner still fails to operate, PLEASE CALL!
Why should I have my heating system tuned?
The best way to improve your heating system is to get regular tune-ups. Besides saving money on fuel, tune-ups can reveal safety problems such as frayed wires, worn parts, or a blocked chimney or flue. A tune-up also removes the impurities that build up in your system, and reduces the need for a heating system repair. Besides returning your heating system to peak efficiency, you’ll extend the life of critical parts like the heat exchanger by having your system cleaned and tuned regularly.
When and why should I have my chimney cleaned?
There is some soot produced by your oil fired equipment and this should be cleaned out every few years. When you have work done on your chimney, also have it checked for cracks in the lining, and removal of leaves and other debris. If you burn a wood stove, you should have your chimney cleaned every 2-3 years. Sometimes birds will build nests in the chimney and cause problems by restricting the flow of air away from your furnace. You can reduce this problem by placing a cap on your chimney. They will not restrict the airflow, and will keep leaves, rain, and other types of debris from becoming lodged in your chimney. *Always call for a Cleaning and Tune-up after having your chimney cleaned. Soot and debris is pushed down to the base of the chimney and may cause a blockage.
Is my oil tank safe?
Here is a checklist of items you can easily observe about your oil tank, but remember: look – don’t touch. Even if you can see rust or an oily patch of wetness on the tank’s surface, do not touch your tank. It’s best to call your licensed oil heat technician and let a professional take care of it.
- Are the tank legs unstable or on an uneven foundation?
- Do you see rust, weeps, wet spots, or excessive dents on the tank’s surface?
- Are there any drips or signs of leakage around the oil filter or valves?
- Do the oil lines run either under concrete or aboveground without being encased in protective tubing?
- Are there any threats of snow or ice falling on the oil tank or the filter?
- Are there any signs of the tank’s vent being clogged or blocked by ice or snow? (Screened vents are available to prevent insect nest problems.)
- Is the overfill whistle obstructed, or silent when the tank is being filled? (It should whistle.)
- Are there any signs of spills around the fill pipe?
- Is the tank’s gauge cracked, stuck or frozen? Do you see oil staining around it?
- Is your tank more than 25 years old?
- Is your outside tank a dark color? (It should be painted a light color to minimize corrosive condensation inside the tank.)