How Often Should I have My Oil Burner Cleaned
Whether you have a furnace or a boiler The oil burner along with all the components of the heating system should be cleaned, inspected, and maintained on an annual basis. This is also known as a tune-up. While oil burner maintenance is considered routine by oil burner technicians it should be recognized as a necessary annual visit from a licensed oil burner technician and performed at roughly the same time each year, preferably in late summer or fall.
Annual heating system maintenance will save money on energy costs by keeping the oil heating system running at peak efficiency while also extending the life of the equipment. There is also a safety issue in that dirt, dust, or residue can clog the burner leading to a misfire. One or more events such as a misfire or leaky nozzle can cause a puff back.
Puff backs are an explosion inside the combustion chamber and usually lead to a lot of soot and smoke spreading throughout the house. Smoke and soot in the home is to be avoided at all costs for safety reasons and because the situation will necessitate involvement with insurance companies and home restoration companies.
Related:
What is Heating System Maintenance
The best way to determine if any part of a heating system has a malfunction is to run the system. An expert technician would check for typical problems and leaks. Once the system has been run the technician will usually begin by examining and servicing the fuel system.
Fuel System and Tank
A careful inspection of the oil tank will reveal whether there are leaks. If any leak is detected in the oil tank the oil company and the fire dept. should be notified. In Massachusetts any leak over 10 gallons must be reported to DEP within 2 hours.
Change the oil filter
A clean oil filter maintains reliability of the boiler, maximizes efficiency, and extends the life of the boiler. All of which save money.
Clean the pump strainer (if present)
Flush oil line
Sediment, which may be present in oil line can clog nozzle
Replace oil burner nozzle
Boilers and Furnaces
If a furnace-air filter is replaced or cleaned maximizing unrestricted flow of clean, allergen free air.
Blower belts are checked
In both furnaces and boilers the air gate is adjusted for the proper ratio of air and fuel
Electrodes are inspected, cleaned, and adjusted
In order for equipment to draft properly and operate at maximum efficiency boiler sections or furnace heat exchangers are brushed and vacuumed clearing soot
The flue is inspected and cleared of any debris – a clear flue promotes proper draft
A combustion efficiency test is performed to electronically measure draft, various temperatures, CO2 and smoke
The oil burner is fired and controls are safety checked
Contact Absolute Precision
For assistance with inspection and maintenance of your heating system Absolute Precision Plumbing Heating & Cooling is here to help.
For fastest service contact Ken directly
Fast Reliable Service
When you need Maintenance or repairs Absolute Precision is the one to call. We’re laser focused on customer satisfaction offering timely service to North of Boston residents.
Our primary service area includes:
Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Topsfield, Middleton, Danvers, Beverly, Peabody, Lynnfield, North Reading, Reading, Wilmington, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Melrose, Stoneham, Woburn, Winchester, Medford, Malden, and Saugus.
Tags: Home Heating, HVAC, Oil Burner
