A properly functioning heating oil furnace will keep your family and home warm throughout the colder months of the year. When your furnace is encountering a problem, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common symptoms of oil furnace issues and what causes them.

A Guide to Diagnosing Oil Furnace Issues

1. Unusual Noises

Rattling, clanking, and squeaking are all abnormal sounds for a furnace to make. There are many possible reasons for a noisy furnace, including a clogged burner, worn belt, loose access panels, and air in the lines. Make sure to be specific when describing the noise to the repair service technicians so they can pinpoint the exact issue.

2. Smoking Burner

If your burner is smoking, avoid breathing in the polluted air and call emergency furnace services immediately. Excessive smoke may be due to a blockage in the furnace, warped or cracked gasket, lack of airflow, partially plugged nozzle, improper or damaged end cone, or dirty components. Thick, dark smoke is dangerous and could result in a fire or puffback explosion. 

3. High Fuel Consumption

Unusually high fuel consumption can have a significant impact on your wallet. Save on energy costs by finding the root of the issue. If your furnace is burning through your heating oil at an unprecedented pace, you may have a furnace not properly sized for your home. Other possible culprits include poor ductwork, inadequate home insulation, windows and doors left open, and elevated oil pump pressure.

4. Unpleasant Smells

Strange odors can sometimes accompany smoke—for example, when you have a partially plugged nozzle or improper end cone—but this is not always the case. You could also be dealing with a dirty or cracked heat exchanger, delayed ignition, or obstructed combustion air. Make sure you aren’t storing any belongings near the furnace before you get it repaired.

5. Dysfunction

If your furnace isn’t functioning, check the simple solutions first. Your thermostat may be set too low, the furnace might need more fuel, or the unit isn’t getting electrical power. If these quick steps don’t get your furnace running, the problem could be with the pilot light, blocked ductwork, or a faulty blower motor. These are all complex issues your repair company are trained to solve. 

Is your furnace low on heating oil? Contact Ike’s Fuel in Juneau, AK for quick, reliable oil delivery. As the only independent, family-owned heating oil supplier in the area, their team understands the importance of keeping your family and home warm and comfortable. That’s why they offer price breaks and “Ike-O-Matic,” a convenient automatic delivery service. Call (907) 364-3420 or fill out a contact form online to fill up your oil tank today.