With winter fast approaching, homeowners in and around Edgewater, Maryland, need to keep their oil furnaces in top shape to ensure adequate heating. Oil furnaces typically require more maintenance compared to gas furnaces, as oil-powered models can get more grime and soot buildup. Ideally, you should check and clean your oil furnace a couple of times every heating season and get maintenance service for it each fall. Here are four tasks that you can do regularly as a homeowner to check your Edgewater, MD oil furnace and make sure it keeps running smoothly.
Watch for Soot
Watch out for black soot near your furnace. If soot accumulates outside the unit, it could indicate that it is burning more than just oil. Also, check the soot emanating from the chimney when the furnace is working. If there is black smoke, it means the system is not burning oil completely.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
If your furnace emits any abnormal rattling or vibrating noises, something is loose or even broken. Letting your furnace continue to run with a broken part can cause lasting damage and mean an early replacement. Contact a professional maintenance company immediately for support.
Change the Filter
Make it a point to change the furnace’s air filter at regular intervals per the recommendations in the operator’s manual. You can change your filter every three months to keep allergens from circulating in your air. But if you have pets, you should replace your filter more often, usually once a month.
Clean Your Unit
Starting by turning off the unit and gas line and letting the system cool. Then, use a vacuum with a long hose to remove dust from around the unit. This can prevent dust from burning up in your system, creating bad smells and allergic triggers. Vacuum out the blower and burner cavities next. Finally, blow off dust from the pilot. Ensure the pilot is switched off , and use a straw to gently blow air on the area.
Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing any of these steps on your own, contact a professional to do it for you. For your HVAC and Edgewater, MD oil furnace maintenance services, contact Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.
Image provided by iStock
