Few things are capable of striking fear into a homeowner quite like a furnace that won’t supply heat. Fortunately, in many cases the problem isn’t as daunting as you might assume. If you would like to improve your furnace troubleshooting skills, read on. This article will discuss two things that may be keeping your oil furnace from providing your home with heat.

Low Oil Level

When troubleshooting a non-functional oil furnace, it is always best to rule out the most basic problems first. Here that involves checking that there is an adequate amount of oil in your fuel tank. The important thing to realize here is that the fuel gauge on the outside of your tank is not always a reliable source of information. Over time, these gauges tend to become stuck, mis-calibrated, or otherwise untrustworthy. Instead, assess your quantity of fuel using the dipstick located along the top of the tank. If necessary, arrange to have more heating oil delivered.

Clogged Oil Filter

Even the purest heating oil contains a certain percentage of impurities. Should such impurities be allowed to make their way into the fuel nozzle or the burner assembly, they can cause clogs, burnouts, and other problems. For that reason, all oil furnaces are equipped with a supply-side filter to ensure that the fuel entering the furnace is free of any contaminants.

As time goes on, the oil filter itself will become excessively clogged with sediment and other contaminants. Eventually this will restrict the flow of fuel, making it harder and harder for your furnace to supply heat to your home. Thus it is important to check the filter on a regular basis and have it replaced if necessary.

If your oil furnace has ceased to operate the way it should, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Green Leaf A/C and Heating for a professional consultation.