Oil furnaces are among the most durable household appliances with an average lifespan of 15-20 years depending on how well the unit is maintained. This does not mean the furnace will never develop any issues over its lifetime. So, it is important to be aware of the common problems oil furnaces can develop and their recommended repairs. By seeking timely help from a professional HVAC technician, you can prevent major breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here are some of the most common problems homeowners face with their oil furnaces:
Excessive smoke coming from the furnace
If there is excessive smoke coming from your furnace, it is a definite sign that there is something wrong with it. It could be a result of a blockage in the furnace, cracked gasket, or lack of draft. If there is excessive heat coming from the combustion chamber, then a blockage in the nozzle, flue pipe, heat exchanger, or chimney could be the reason behind excessive smoke.
In some cases, only a burner adjustment might be needed to fix the problem of excessive smoke. If the gaskets have become cracked or warped, you must replace them to reduce smoke coming from the furnace.
Furnace not producing heat
If your furnace is not doing its job of distributing warm air through your home, it is definitely a cause of alarm. However, it is not always a sign of something serious. Check the thermostat settings and see that it is not set to “fan’ mode. In this case, it will blow air but will not heat it. It should be set to the “heat” mode and the thermostat should not be set to a very low temperature.
Clogged filters can also be the culprit. This is the reason why we recommend replacing the filters regularly. Also, if there is no flame to ignite the fuel, the furnace might not produce heat. If you have an older model, there is a chance that the flame has gone out because the pilot light is always lit. The newer models have electronic ignition and if there is an issue with the ignition, there will be no flame and the furnace will not produce warm air.
The furnace keeps turning on and off
To maintain the temperature set on the thermostat your furnace cycles on and off depending on the programmed temperature and the outdoor temperature. However, if your furnace starts turning on and off too frequently without reaching the programmed temperature, it is a sign of trouble. The most common cause of a short cycle is lack of airflow which can cause it to overheat. When this happens, the built-in safety switches shut down the furnace. Clogged air filters can also cause the same problem. It is best to have a technician have a look, identify the exact problem, and make necessary repairs.
Furnace consumes too much fuel
If you observe that your oil furnace is consuming more fuel than usual, it could be due to several reasons. The first thing to check is the size of your furnace and whether or not it is right for your property. Also, check if the nozzle is the right size for the system. Look for any leaky windows or ductwork as it is often the main reason for high fuel consumption.
Odd noises and strange odors
Odd noises coming from your furnace mean that it is not performing well. It could be due to a worn-out belt, loose access panels, a dirty oil burner, issues with motor bearings, and several other problems that can be best addressed by an HVAC professional. Similarly, the root cause of strange odors could lie in the heat exchanger, nozzle, or chimney. Again, a professional would be able to pinpoint the cause and make necessary repairs.
Regular maintenance of your oil furnace can keep it running efficiently for years. Get in touch with our team to schedule repair or maintenance for your oil furnace.
