If you moved into a new home that has an oil furnace, you could be wondering how it works and what you need to do to care for it. Oil furnaces are effective heating systems, but they do require attention to stay in good shape. Below is a guide to how they work and what care they need.

How Does It Work?

An oil furnace uses oil—stored in a tank somewhere on your property—to create the warm air that flows through your home. When the temperature in your home drops below the temperature set on the thermostat, the burner motor pulls oil into the system from the tank, where it passes through a nozzle, turns into vaporized gas, and is ignited by a spark in the combustion chamber. This warms the heat exchanger, and air is pulled into the system, blown over the heat exchanger to warm it, and then sent through your ductwork to heat your home. When your thermostat senses the appropriate temperature has been reached, the blower motor turns off, oil supply stops, and the system goes dormant until it needs to turn on again.

How Do You Take Care of It?

Oil furnaces need preventative maintenance just like any other heating system. Change the filters every few months, keep all vents and the exterior clean, and have it serviced at least once a year. A professional will clean internal parts, lubricate moving ones, check for damage or potential problems, and ensure it’s safe and working efficiently.

You’ll also need to ensure that your oil tank gets regular refills so you don’t run out of fuel, especially in winter. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home should be kept in working order, with the batteries replaced and the device tested every few months. 

If your new home has an oil furnace, have it inspected and serviced by the professionals at Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning in Loveland, OH. Since 1982, their trained technicians have provided reliable installation, repairs, and maintenance for a variety of heating and cooling systems, as well as air purifiers. They offer competitive pricing, preventative maintenance packages, and same-day service. Learn more about their work online, and call (513) 683-3714 to schedule an inspection today.