Heating Oil System Maintenance

Save Money, Prevent Costly Heating Repairs

When you set up an appointment for heating oil equipment service now, you can usually have your pick of appointment times. When the fall chill returns, however, it will be much harder to get a preferred time locked in because of heavy demand.

Think of getting your heating tune-up done in the summertime just like going shopping for holiday gifts in July. No crowds, no stress and you get exactly what you want.

Regular heating equipment maintenance is a vital money-saving investment for heating oil systems– not just because it can keep your equipment running safely and at peak efficiency, but also because four out of five heating system breakdowns are preventable if you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

A tune-up also allows certified heating oil technicians to find minor issues before they become big problems (worn parts, a burner that needs adjustment, etc.)
If you noticed any problems with your system last winter, please take care of it before you need to turn on your heating oil boiler or heating oil furnace again. These problems are most likely “red flags” alerting you to the need for professional service.

5 Trouble Signs for Heating Oil Equipment

Here are five common signs that you need to get something corrected on your heating oil system.

1. Oil odors. If your heating oil system is working properly, you should never smell fuel oil. An oil smell could be caused by a leak, burner troubles, a heat exchanger failure or exhaust system problems. You should schedule service as soon as possible to correct this situation.
2. Smoky odors when your burner is running. If a fireplace or exhaust fan is running at the same time as your oil burner, this can result in a smoky odor because a backdraft is pulling flue gases through the exhaust system and into the home. If you see smoke coming from your heating system, shut it down at once and call your heating oil service provider.
3. Banging, whistling, howling, or the sound of rushing water in your pipes. These are common symptoms of air in the pipes, insufficient water flow, or a build-up of sludge.
4. Booming or rumbling burner. It’s normal to hear an oil burner turn on, but if it makes a loud boom, also known as a “hard start,” the burner is not igniting properly. It needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
5. Straining sound from the fuel pump. This means that there is a clog somewhere in the delivery system, for instance, in a filter or supply line.

Off-Season Heating Repairs Can Be Done Faster

Annual maintenance is important because your professional heating oil technician can discover small problems before they become bigger and more costly problems. When you schedule your tune-up in the spring or summer, your heating oil technician has more time and flexibility to get any repairs done—without the need to rush off to a no-heat emergency.

Equipment Maintenance Vs. Equipment Replacement

If you have an old heating oil system that is not as reliable as it once was and you’re frustrated about spending money on repairs, you should start researching your options for replacing your heating oil boiler or heating oil furnace.

This is especially important if the age of your heating system is 20 years old or older. That’s because just like any other piece of equipment around the home, systems will eventually deteriorate and require replacement. You can experience long-term savings for equipment upgrades. A new heating oil system should help you save 20% or more on your annual home heating costs.

New Jersey Rebates and Federal Tax Credits

Homeowners can now claim a federal tax credit of $600 for installing ENERGY STAR-certified heating oil systems that use renewable fuel blends of at least 20% biofuel. There may also still be New Jersey heating oil equipment rebates available for upgrades to a high-efficiency heating oil furnace or heating oil boiler. If you’re ready to explore new heating system options for your home, reach out to your New Jersey heating oil company.