Are your monthly heating costs taking a significant toll on your finances? What if there was a way to minimize energy consumption in your home and make great savings on heating bills?
A U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) extensive study reported that close to 22 percent of homes in the Northeast rely on heating oil as the main heating fuel. Furthermore, they spend about $1,400 on average on fuel in the winter season.
Hiring an oil furnace service will keep your oil furnace operating at peak efficiency. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the benefits of an oil furnace service.
You’ll also discover the criteria to use when hiring a contractor to get the job done.
Why Oil Furnace Service is Important
Home heating systems tend to accumulate particulates such as dirt and dust that affect their efficiency and performance. When this debris piles up, your energy bills may soar.
You need a professional oil furnace tune-up to remove the grime and keep the furnace in working order. Here are other benefits for seeking the service:
1. Boost Heating Efficiency
A well-functioning furnace should evenly distribute heat with decreased wear and tear. An oil furnace service can help maintain proper airflow in the heating system.
The service technician will thoroughly inspect the system’s passages to ensure that they are free of obstructions.
With high-quality oil flowing in the furnace, the system can perform at peak levels. Good oil quality boosts combustion, allowing fuel to be turned into gas to keep your house warm.
The technician will inform you about the fuel supply levels in the system and whether it needs a refill.
2. Prevent System Strain
Your oil-burning furnace should have the capacity to produce heat from the combustion of fuel. Any obstructions in the passages may inflict permanent damage on the heating system. It’s pretty costly to repair or replace a furnace damaged due to system strain.
If you fail to get your furnace serviced, it could completely break down. The only option here would be to install a new heating system, which would take a tremendous toll on your finances.
3. Ensure Safety
When the furnace fuel fails to burn correctly, it may emit harmful toxins. A skilled oil furnace technician can also help stop the speed of rust formation or corrosion.
Problems with the oil supply in the heating system could lead to oil contamination and damage the system. Hire an inspector to run oil tests to determine whether the oil supply needs replacement.
When to Hire an Oil Furnace Service Near Me
Though the warranty on most oil furnaces is ten years, a well-maintained fuel oil furnace can operate for 15-25 years. If you’re wondering how to service an oil furnace, simply schedule yearly maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor.
Schedule cleaning at the end of the winter season when you no longer use the system to warm your house. Have the furnace cleaned at least twice a year (during fall and winter) if you live in a cold climate area.
What to Consider Hiring an Oil Furnace Service Company
Oil furnace service contractors operate with different policies and pricing plans. The goal here is to ensure that their offerings favor your budget and your home’s heating needs.
Here are four practical tips to take you through the search for the right oil furnace repair company:
Review Their Service Agreement Plans
Most HVAC repair and cleaning companies offer service agreements as annual contracts.
Their full-service agreement plans guarantee oil deliveries on an automatic or will-call basis. You can also access quality tech support on a 24/7 basis, depending on the contract.
Since an oil furnace requires cleaning every year, sign an annual contract with a trusted company. Thoroughly read the document to see whether it addresses the oil furnace problems you’re having.
Verify the Credentials and Reputation
Only transact with an oil furnace repair company with a state Construction Contractors Board registration number. Visit the respective state board website to verify whether the license is active. You should also ask the company to provide proof of liability insurance coverage.
Find more about the contractor’s proficiency in the initial consultation meetings or talk. Ask if their technicians have adequate training on the specific type of oil furnace installed on your property. Use Google and Facebook to gain insights on how previous customers interacted with the repair or cleaning service.
Do They Offer Affordable Oil Furnace Services?
When your home’s heating system needs repair or cleaning, you don’t always have the luxury to wait. The contractor should readily be on-call when you need their services. They should also offer flexible pricing plans that are in line with your annual energy expenditure limits.
Oil furnace repairs usually range from $375 to $1,200, depending on the nature of the service. Though most contractors have a $75 hourly fee, the hourly charges may range from $50 to $150.
How Flexible are Their Services?
Work with a contractor that embraces automation as part of their service delivery. Their fuel delivery service should give you peace of mind whenever you run out of heating oil.
The company should assess your average oil usage and set a fuel delivery schedule to keep your heating system running.
The HVAC company should offer on-demand furnace repair or cleaning services to reach you as soon as you make a request. Their customer support staff should handle your queries or requests with urgency and professionalism.
Any delays in their service delivery will force you to battle the cold weather or find other expensive means to keep warm.
Need Residential HVAC Services? Contact Us!
Use the tips given above to get the most out of an oil furnace service. We can help keep your house warm during the cold months, thanks to our diverse residential fuel delivery options. Our services are fast, efficient, and affordable.
Count on us for a year-round HVAC service to keep your property well-ventilated at all times. Contact us today to get started.
