What if my oil burner fails to operate?
Why should I have my heating system tuned up?
Why should I have my chimney cleaned and how often should this be done?
Why do vent alarms malfunction?
IF BURNER STILL FAILS TO OPERATE – CALL FOR SERVICE.
CONTACT US 24 HOURS A DAY: 1-877-662-0045
The best way to improve your heating system is to get regular tune-ups. Besides saving money on fuel, tune-ups can reveal safety problems such as frayed wires, worn parts, or a blocked chimney or flue. A tune-up also removes the impurities that build up in your system, and reduces the need for a heating system repair. Besides returning your heating system to peak efficiency, you’ll extend the life of critical parts like the heat exchanger by having your system cleaned and tuned regularly. (Click here to learn about our Preventative Maintenance Plan)
There is some soot produced by your oil fired equipment and this should be cleaned out every few years. When you have work done on your chimney, also have it checked for cracks in the lining, and removal of leaves and other debris. If you burn a wood stove, you should have your chimney cleaned every 2-3 years. Sometimes birds will build nests in the chimney and cause problems by restricting the flow of air away from your furnace. You can reduce this problem by placing a cap on your chimney. They will not restrict the airflow, and will keep leaves, rain, and other types of debris from becoming lodged in your chimney. *Always call for a Cleaning and Tune-up after having your chimney cleaned. Soot and debris is pushed down to the base of the chimney and may cause a blockage.
Here is a checklist of items you can easily observe about your oil tank, but remember: look – don’t touch. Even if you can see rust or an oily patch of wetness on the tank’s surface, do not touch your tank. It’s best to call your licensed oil heat technician and let a professional take care of it.
CHECKLIST
Every oil tank should be equipped with a vent alarm system. This is a simple device installed inside your oil tank where air is vented. The vent alarm emits an audible whistle while the tank is being filled. When the oil level reaches (and covers) the bottom of the vent alarm, it stops whistling, there by alerting the delivery man that the tank is full.
On occasion, vent alarms may become obstructed with debris. When this happens, the oil delivery driver will not be able to safely fill your oil tank. When this happens, we will notify you immediately so the vent alarm can be repaired. Vent alarms can often be cleaned, but on occasion need to be replaced. Insects that build nests in vent pipes cause debris to fall into the vent alarm; however a more common failure is caused by rust build-up in the vent alarm. If an oil tank is old (20 + years) it may contain significant amounts of rust sediment. In this case, a new tank system may be recommended.
To address the needs of homeowners requiring fuel storage tank work, Fireman’s Fuel provides complete service and installation of all types of above ground residential and commercial storage systems. In addition, we provide comprehensive removal and tank disposal services. Please call us for a quote today!
Oil Burners – Beckett, Carlin, and Riello. Oil Fired Boilers – Peerless, Solaia, H.B. Smith, Buderus, and Weil Mclain. Oil Fired Furnaces – Williamson, Hallmark, and Ducane. Water Heaters (direct fired and indirect) – Superstor, Therma-Flow/Everhot, and Amtrol. Fuel Oil Storage Tanks – Granby, and Roth.