Did you know that heating your home can account for up almost 42 percent of your entire energy bill? With as much as that may cost, it’s smart to care for your furnace.
There are steps you can be taking to help maintain your oil furnace.
Read on to learn six essential oil furnace tips
1. Schedule a Professional Cleaning
Each year it is important to call your heating oil provider and schedule an annual cleaning. Add a note to your paper calendar or in your smartphone that repeats each year.
Spring is a great time to have this task performed. If you are also having your A/C cleaned, a warmer month (think June/July) might be a better time, and may provide some cost savings as well.
2. Replace the Air Filters
When you neglect to change the air filter in your furnace, you’re also neglecting your home’s air quality, and risking the furnace to shut down. Proper air flow is critical to keeping your furnace operating at optimal levels.
Set a reminder each month to look at the air filter and replace as necessary.
When your supply of air filters gets down to one, be sure to purchase another set. Multipacks are most economical. Avoid the cheaper cheesecloth type of air filter as they tend to get sucked into the heater.
A good, pleated filter like the one below blocks more contaminants making their way through your home. Be sure you know the unit’s airflow direction (which is often marked on the furnace itself).
3. Befriend Your Furnace
It’s important to listen to your heater and put a set of eyes on it every once in a while. Consider doing so while you replace the air filters each month, while you are folding laundry, or working on a project in the basement.
If you hear any unusual vibrating, rattling, howling, shuttering, or knocking noises, it might be necessary to call in a professional.
4. Keep the Area Around Your Heater Clean
When you keep your furnace clean, you prolong its service life keeping you and your family warm for many years to come. Keeping the area around the heater clean is important too.
Be sure to keep clothing, boxes, and newspapers away from the heater. This is a huge fire hazard as these materials and others could become very hot while the furnace is in operation. It may also void any service contract.
Take the time to vacuum around the heater and all of the air vents in your home at least twice per year. This step will help with airflow and help keep dust and debris from your furnace.
5. Don’t DIY It!
If you’ve been hearing funny noises or noticing odd smells, that might point to larger issues with your furnace, it’s best to call a professional furnace technician.
While the internet is great for learning a new language or how to crochet, it’s best to leave the service and repair to the pros.
Sometimes, making a mistake during a DIY repair can cost more than the original problem would’ve cost to be fixed by a professional. Play it safe and call someone in for maintenance and repairs.
6. Report Issues Promptly
Sometimes, you may begin to hear a rattling, buzzing, or get an oil smell that’s different from a regular operation.
If you notice oil or water drips (no matter how slow), a banging noise when the heater starts, or the heater doesn’t always start up when the thermostat calls for heat, don’t delay in calling your heating oil company for service. With some more information, they can determine the best course of action and the urgency of a service call.
Letting a small drip or a banging noise go a few extra days can cost you in the long run as it delays service, wears out parts more quickly, and often causes other parts to be affected.
Furthermore, it could cause you to not have heat when a technician is not immediately available or there is severe weather impeding travel to your home.
Remember These Oil Furnace Maintenance Tips
By remembering these oil furnace maintenance tips, you give your furnace the chance to live a longer life. It’ll not only keep your family warm for many years to come, but you’ll also know you’re not spending unnecessary money on energy bills because of problems that weren’t attended to.
While there are plenty of furnace maintenance steps you can take yourself, sometimes calling in the professionals is just easier. Contact us today to get started.
