How to Troubleshoot an Oil Fired Furnace
Troubleshooting your oil-fired furnace before calling a serviceman can save you money on unnecessary repairs. You may also discover that the problem is minor and can be fixed without any service call needed. Troubleshooting an oil-fired furnace is slightly different than troubleshooting a gas or electric model because of the tank and fuel delivery system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check the settings on the thermostat. The fan should be set to the "auto" mode and the desired temperature must be higher than the current room temperature or the furnace will not turn on. Raise the desired temperature so that it is 5 degrees higher than the room temperature. If the furnace turns on after doing this, the thermostat's temperature sensor may be malfunctioning.
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Switch the fan to the "on" mode and walk to the furnace unit. Listen to the furnace to see if the fan is running. If not, check the breaker panel to find out if a switch has been tripped or a fuse has blown. Inspect the wires for damage if you do find either of these problems. This could be an indication of a short in the wiring that should be repaired by a professional electrician.
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3
Feel the temperature of the air being blown out by the fan. If it is cold, the burners are not switching on. Look for the red reset button on the furnace unit's primary control. Press the button down if it has popped up and check the fuel system for any blockages in the pipes or nozzles. Make sure the fuel tank is not empty as this may also cause the reset button to pop up.
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4
Feel the furnace cabinet to see if it has warmed up while the unit has been running. If not, the problem may lie in an area that requires a repairman, such as the flame sensor, burner motor, or primary control. If the cabinet is warm, replace the air filter and see if that allows more warm air to flow into the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Some repairs should not be handled without professional assistance, such as those involving the major components of the furnace or the electrical wiring.
