Troubleshooting Your Oil Furnace Problems

Oil Furnaces are used in many homes as heating systems. This option is an important part to one’s comfort at home and if it breaks down, it can be devastating. Repairs can be costly and can take time to complete. If your oil furnace breaks down, take the steps below to try and troubleshoot the problem.

STEP #1 Check the Thermostat

First, check the thermostat. If the room temperature is seventy degrees for example, and the thermostat is set on sixty five, then the unit will not kick on. Simply change the temperature to remedy the problem.

If the thermostat is a programmable one, make sure the batteries are working properly. The batteries may simply need to be changed.

If your oil furnace is connected with central air or is zone, check and make sure the switch on the selector is set to heat. This can also be a simple remedy. Many times, it is the simple solutions that fix the problem.

STEP #2 Check if the emergency switch is on.

You can also makes sure the emergency switch is on. Sometimes this switch can be turned off and cause the unit not to work. This switch is usually located on the side of the furnace or somewhere nearby.

 

STEP #3 Check the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.

The problem may also be connected to a blown fuse. Check the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If a fuse has burned out or the breaker has been switched off then this could be the problem.

Simply flip the switch on the breaker or change out the fuse. However, if this happens again, you should contact a repair man.

STEP#4 Check the burner.

Lastly, you can check the burner if possible. The red button on the burner must be on protecto relay. If you have an older oil furnace then it will have a stack limit switch instead. This switch is usually mounted on the smoke pipe and should be pushed one time.

If you push the button more than once it can create an explosive condition. If the burner is running on its own and will not fire, call a service technician.

If none of these solutions work, you will have to contact a certified technician. The problem is possibly instead the furnace and something that cannot easily be fixed. To save money, make sure the technician you use offers a free in-home diagnosis. This will tell you what the problem is and an estimate should be given at no cost.