Oil Furnace: Most Common Problems
If there’s one thing you want to avoid during the cold season, it’s a heating failure! Generally speaking, oil furnaces have a reputation for being reliable, provided they are properly maintained. Unfortunately, no one is immune to a technical failure.
Here is a review of the most common problems that can affect oil furnaces, as well as their solutions.
If you hear noises, vigilance is required!
Anything in the range of clicking, knocking, rumbling or hissing should need your attention. Thus, the presence of air in the pipes will result in a sound similar to a knock. Consult your service manual or contact an oil furnace service expert for help.
- A rattling noise is often characteristic of loose access panels. Inspect these and tighten those that are more loose.
- A rumbling sound may indicate an incorrect indicator light setting or dirt in the burner. In the first case, you could simply reset the witness. In the second case, the intervention of an expert will be required.
- A hissing sound is also characteristic of a dirt problem, but in the filter this time. Since it is recommended to change it every 1 to 3 months, do not try to clean it and replace it.
- A screeching sound can be due to improper closing of the device or to wear and in this case, you will need a professional.
- Grinding noises are often related to motor bearings. In such a situation, do not do anything on your own, and call a technician for obvious safety issues.
- Finally, an oil furnace may also make intermittent sounds as if it is constantly turning on and off. First examine your filter and then the heating oil supply. If everything is correct for these two elements, you will again have to contact a professional.
Other Common Oil Furnace Problems
Other problems can affect your furnace, without being accompanied by noise. Among them :
- A furnace that suddenly turns off or refuses to start: check the thermostat, which may not be set correctly or may be faulty. It is also possible that your furnace needs resetting or cleaning.
- A furnace that emits a lot of smoke: a blockage or accumulated dirt in the chimney, flue, nozzle or exchanger can be the cause of this failure. The most obvious solution would be to identify the source of the blockage and unblock it or clean it up. Note that some parts like the nozzles will need to be replaced if they appear damaged. However, check the setting of your burner, which may require adjustment, or the seals on your door, which may be cracked.
- A furnace that burns more fuel than usual: again, cleaning or replacement of parts may be in order.
- A furnace that heats little: the air filter is often to be pointed out. The wear of the fan, the igniter or the ducts is also to be monitored. Sometimes a simple cleaning of the flame sensor may be enough to restore the heat.
Knowing about common oil furnace problems is one thing. But knowing how to solve them safely is another. Whatever the cause of malfunction that you may have identified, if you are not sure, do not touch anything and contact specialists, such as those at Pétrole & Propane Bélanger. The excellence of their service, their courtesy and their attentiveness have been their hallmarks for more than 60 years.
Source : Onyx Information. Problèmes courants et dépannage des fours à huile. [Common problems and troubleshooting of oil ovens]. 2022.