Heating oil is one of the most energy-efficient and affordable home heating sources. The fuel is incredibly safe when handled carefully, which is why it’s important to understand the best practices. If you’ve recently purchased a home with an oil furnace or are installing one, here's what you should know.

Do:

Vacuum once a month.

Dust, dirt, and other debris may collect in and around your furnace and become a fire hazard. Vacuum the area and unit once a month to control the threat. 

Look at the pilot flame as well. If it burns orange, it’s a sign that dust and buildup are igniting in the unit and that it needs a professional cleaning.

Monitor carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic byproduct of burning oil. A standard oil furnace normally flushes this gas out of your home through a ventilation duct. 

However, if the duct is perforated, the gas may collect in the furnace area and create a health hazard. Install carbon monoxide detectors near the unit. If they’re activated, open your windows and exit your home until professionals can arrive and resolve the leak.

Don’t:

Store items around the unit.

Your oil furnace needs room to ventilate the gases created when it converts the oil to heat. As such, you need to keep a clear space around the unit. It’s especially important to keep combustibles like fabrics, paints, and other fuel sources away, as they may ignite and cause a fire.

Skip inspections.

Schedule an annual tuneup before winter every year. Technicians will visually inspect the casing and core components—like the heating element and burner—to ensure there aren’t cracks or buildup that can impact efficiency. 

These professionals will also lubricate parts and clean the oil and air filters to ensure optimal performance. Schedule these tuneups even if your furnace is running efficiently so that minor signs of problems don’t go unnoticed.

If it’s time to refill your oil furnace, purchase high-quality fuel from Norwich Discount Oil. They provide most of New London County, CT, and parts of Southern Windham County with home heating oil. Learn more about their heating oil services on their website, or call (860) 886-5508 to set up a delivery schedule.