Heating your home with an oil furnace is a great way to save money on heating costs. This type of heater works especially well in climates with long, cold winters. But like all heating setups, oil furnaces need professional maintenance to keep them running efficiently and reliably. You’ll also want to change the air filter at least once every one to three months. This guide covers why those tasks are so important.
Changing the Air Filter Helps Prevent Airflow and Air Quality Concerns
Just like a regular gas or electric furnace, oil setups have an air filter that needs to be changed on a regular basis. The filter helps keep dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles from entering the blower and circulating throughout the home. When the filter becomes clogged, it loses its ability to do its job effectively, and you may notice worsening allergy symptoms. It also restricts airflow, making the heater work harder than normal, which increases the risk of breakdowns.
Ideally, you’ll want to check the air filter once every 30 days and replace it when it’s dirty. Oil furnaces also have an oil filter that needs to be changed regularly, but this usually gets taken care of during annual maintenance checkups.
Technicians Spot and Fix Minor Issues During Maintenance Visits
One of the worst things you can do for the overall performance of an oil furnace is to skip professional maintenance visits. When you do, a technician doesn’t get the chance to see whether any of the components are worn out or damaged. If you run the equipment with loose components or broken parts, it won’t run efficiently, which can skyrocket your heating costs. Most importantly, it can leave you with indoor living spaces that are dangerously cold during freezing weather. Experts suggest professional maintenance at least once a year. If you’re using an older oil furnace, it may need two tune-ups a year.
Keeping an Eye on the Heating Oil Level for Longer Life
You never want the oil tank to be completely empty because it allows the furnace to draw air into the fuel line, which ends up preventing the burner from receiving a steady supply of fuel. Plus, the sediment that naturally settles at the bottom of the tank is more likely to get pulled into the system when the oil level is low or empty; this not only reduces heating efficiency but also raises the risk of clogged filters and burner problems. The best way to keep an eye on the oil level is to check the tank gauge at least once every week during the heating season. When the tank is only about one-quarter full, this is when you’ll want to schedule an oil delivery.
The three tips mentioned above are a great starting point for making sure your oil furnace runs reliably during cold weather. The most important thing to remember is to schedule service as soon as you suspect a problem. A proactive approach makes it much easier to spot and fix minor problems before they turn into inconvenient, costly repairs. When you need oil furnace repair services in Skippack, PA, contact Marshall Services.