How To Troubleshoot A Faulty Oil Burner
Oil burners can be very efficient heat sources, but they also come with certain maintenance issues. If you are having trouble with your oil furnace, here are some steps for troubleshooting the problem.
It Won't Start
If your furnace won't start, you may be tempted to press the reset button several times. Be careful, though; each time you press the button, it will add more fuel to the combustion chamber. An oil furnace that won't turn on is often not the end of the line, however. Your repair technician can check for a broken switch on the motor. In more extreme cases, the motor may burn out after years of use.
The Motor is On, But the Furnace Doesn't Light
If you flip the switch and hear signs of life but see no flame, you may have a problem with water in your furnace. A professional oil burner service, like Shearman Oil Inc, can help you drain the tank and fix cracks in the tank or fuel line.
There's Not Enough Heat
Sometimes you'll be able to see the flame, but your house doesn't heat correctly. In the best case, you simply have a problem with lint in your filters. You can choose to remove the extra lint, but it's a good idea to change filters every six months to prevent the buildup of air pollutants. If the filter change doesn't work, then you may need a repair person to come and check the air ducts in your house to make sure there are no leaks.
You See Smoke
If you see smoke coming out of your air vents, stop using your oil furnace immediately. In some cases, a clogged chimney can cause your furnace to back up and release smoke into the house. Check your chimney filters to rule out this problem.
In a more severe case, you have a cracked heat exchanger. This would require an immediate repair, since it can be a fire hazard. If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it may be wise to replace the furnace outright since this can be a costly repair.
There are many issues that can cause an oil burning furnace to misfire or work inefficiently. In order to keep your furnace running smoothly, be sure to get regular oil burner repairs to replace your filters, check for cracks in the oil tank, and lubricate the motor. A great technician can troubleshoot your furnace and help you protect it against future breakage.