Oil Furnace Inspection, Service, and Maintenance Tips
Oil furnaces should be inspected annually, preferably before the beginning of the heating season, by a qualified service technician to ensure continued safe operation. The inspection should include the following:
Caution
Always carefully read the service and maintenance instruction for the furnace first. As a rule, the electrical power is shut off first at the disconnect switch if service or an inspection is to be
performed. After the power is switched off, the gas valve is then turned off.
1. Inspect the vent pipe for water accumulation, sagging piping, dirt, loose joints, and damage.
2. Check the return air duct for a tight connection to the furnace. The duct connection must provide an airtight seal at the furnace and must terminate at its other end outside the room.
3. Inspect the furnace wiring for burnt or damaged wires and loose connections.
4. Inspect interior and exterior furnace surfaces for dirt or water accumulation.
5. Make sure the blower access door is tightly closed.
6. Inspect the burners for dirt, rust, or signs of water.
7. Make sure the fresh air grilles and louvers are open, clean, and unobstructed.
8. Inspect and clean the condensate traps and drain to prevent water accumulation in the furnace (condensing furnaces).
9. Inspect the blower wheel and remove any debris.
10. Check the furnace support and base. The base of the furnace must form a tight seal with the support.
11. Run the furnace and observe its operation. The furnace should operate smoothly and quietly.
12. Check the vent pipe and return duct to make sure they are not leaking.
13. Analyze the combustion gases to make sure they meet the furnace manufacturer’s specifications.
14. Clean or change the air filter once a month or as needed, if less than a month.
15. Clean and adjust oil burner before the start of the heating season.
16. Inspect oil supply tank for water and possible contaminants daily or at the beginning of the heating season.
17. Drain oil supply tank at the end of the heating season and check for cracks or other damage.
18. Clean heat exchanger and combustion chamber at the begin- ning of the heating season and whenever there appears to be a
significant accumulation of soot and dirt. Remove soot and dirt with a long-handled brush and a vacuum hose.
19. Inspect the inside and outside of the chimney for damage.
20. Inspect and clean the chimney before the beginning of the heating season.
21. Clean the furnace flue pipe, barometric damper, and chimney base.
22. Clean the fan/blower blades.
23. Clean or replace the air filter.
24. Fill the small oil cups of a belt-driven blower motor once or twice during the heating season. Direct-drive blowers with internal motors do not require periodic oiling.
25. Check the oil pressure in the burner.
26. Check all burner fittings for leaks.
27. Clean the oil filter bowl and replace, if required.
28. Clean the burner.
29. Check the condition of the burner nozzle and replace if dirty.
Dirty oil burner nozzles cannot be cleaned and returned to service.
30. Check the operation of the cad cell flame detector.
31. Check the operation of the thermostat and fan controls.