Did you know consistent furnace maintenance can actually save you up to 10% on the cost of oil? Andersen Oil Company has been serving homeowners in New London, Mystic, and Groton, CT, for more than 45 years. In that time, they’ve come up with a simple checklist for how you and your heating oil maintenance technician can keep your oil furnace working at maximum efficiency all year long.

DIY Maintenance Checklist

Not every maintenance task requires a professional. The following items should be done to your oil furnace on a regular basis:

• Clean Around The Home Heating System: Keeping the furnace free of dust and dirt is helpful for reducing allergens and keeping your home heating system functioning well. Be sure to turn off the furnace and wait for it to cool before starting to clean.
• Inspect Your Oil Furnace: Take a look at your oil furnace and watch for warning signs such as black soot (which could indicate your furnace is burning substances other than heating oil), black smoke coming from the chimney, or odd noises coming out of the blower.
• Change Your Air Filter: Your oil furnace’s owner’s manual will have information on the recommended frequency for air filter changes.
• Schedule A Professional Inspection Annually: For the maintenance items that require a professional’s skill, make sure you schedule a formal inspection each year.

Professional Maintenance Checklist

During your oil furnace’s annual inspection, here are the things you can expect a professional to do:

• Clean The Burner Nozzle: The burner nozzle allows heating oil to transfer to the furnace burner, so it’s important that it’s kept unclogged and clean.
• Lubricate The Fittings: The fittings in the blower motor see a lot of use. To keep the motor running well for an extended period of time, the technician will lubricate all the fittings.
• Inspect The Fan Belt: The fan belt in your home heating system needs to be good condition for the oil furnace to work properly. The technician will look for any frays or cracks that indicate the belt needs to be replaced.

Keep your home heating system in good condition by following the checklists above. For oil furnace maintenance and home heating oil delivery, contact Andersen Oil Company at (860) 464-7628 or visit their website.