Keeping your home furnace in good condition is critical for having a comfortable household throughout the winter. Understanding how your heating system works is the first step in maintaining it. Ones that use oil as a power source function slightly differently than gas and electric systems. Here’s a quick overview of oil furnaces

What You Should Know About Oil-Powered Home Furnaces

How They Work

Like gas furnaces, the heating cycle will kick on when your home’s thermostat detects that the air temperature has dipped below the range you set. The burner motor will suck heating oil from the storage tank, combining it with air and vaporizing it until it lights. The heat exchanger will then transfer the warm air via a fan throughout the house, keeping the temperature toasty and comfortable.

When to Fill the Tank

One of the main differences between oil furnaces and gas furnaces is the need to manually fill the tank. Depending on how hard your furnace works—which is impacted by the size of your home, the temperatures outside, and how you’ve set your thermostat—you’ll likely burn around three gallons of oil a day during the winter. Your home furnace provider will be able to monitor your fuel needs to keep you supplied without you having to keep track.

What Maintenance Tasks to Perform

Aside from keeping the tank full, you should also perform routine maintenance tasks to keep your furnace running smoothly. Inspect the appliance for signs of black soot, which can indicate that it’s consuming too much oil. If you detect odd smells or loud bangs, a component—such as the pump or blower—may need to be repaired. Check the filter regularly and change it if it’s dirty.

 

If you’re looking for a fuel delivery company to keep your home furnace supplied with oil, contact Best Oil in New Haven County, CT. From residential and commercial propane deliveries to emergency maintenance services, these experts have been working hard since 1936 to ensure that their clients receive the best service possible. Get the assistance you need today by visiting them online or calling (203) 574-4050.