Oil-Fired Heating System
Yearly burner and equipment service includes thorough cleaning and inspection by a qualified service technician who
should check nozzle, electrodes, transformer, and all safety controls for proper operation. Additionally, the tech
should run a combustion efficiency test to see if equipment is operating properly and then make any necessary
adjustments. This is very important for oil-fired heaters. Unlike gas-fired equipment, they are more susceptible to
sooting. And, please, please…make sure the oil filter is changed! A dirty filter can cause a host of
pain-in-the-butt and expensive service calls!
Gas-Fired Heating System
It's a good idea to have this equipment serviced every year. Although gas burns much cleaner than oil, the equipment
should be checked before the start of the heating season to be sure the safety devices are working properly and that
the gas flame is burning correctly. Liquid petroleum (LP) gas-fired appliances especially should be checked because
they are more prone to pressure fluxuations than natural gas. If gas supply pressures vary, it could cause the unit
to burn improperly and foul up the interior. It's a good idea to install a low-pressure cut-off switch in an LP
gas-fired system. This device will shut down the system if gas supply pressures fall below proper levels and avoid
sooting-up the unit. This work is also best done by a trained technician.
Warm Air Systems: Oil or Gas-Fired
Warm air systems should be serviced yearly. Filters should be changed, and ducts should be inspected and cleaned, if
needed. Clean ducts and filters are essential for proper air distribution and indoor air quality. You may want to
consider upgrading your air filter to one of the more efficient and thorough types available such as electronic air
cleaners or high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Always remember to change or clean your air filter every
30 to 60 days! (Most homeowners can do this simple service.)
Hot Water Systems: Oil or Gas-Fired
Whether you have baseboard heat, old style (or new style), big cast iron radiators, or in-floor radiant heat, they
are all supplied by a boiler of some type and, as such, have controls that need to be checked for proper operation
every year. Even duct coil systems (that's where a hot water coil is placed in the ductwork and supplied with hot
water to heat the air passing over it) need to be checked along with the various other components like pumps and
zone valves. Because these systems are fired by a gas or oil burner, a qualified technician should service them
every year.
Steam Heating Systems
No doubt about it, these systems need to be serviced every year without fail! The safety controls need to be checked
and the heat source, whether an oil or gas burner, must be checked. There are also special controls on steam systems
that need regular maintenance. Your service technician can show you how to "blow down" the boiler every month to
keep the system clean and free of sludge.
Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
Although most homeowners don't realize it, there are some maintenance items and system checks that you can do
yourself on a residential A C system. Changing the air filter is one of the easiest and probably the most important.
Be sure that your unit is free of debris, is not leaking, and is draining properly. Check hose connections for
cracks or leaks, and make sure the condensation tube is free to drain. However, these will not take the place of a
full service by a qualified technician once a year and a professional cleaning of your ductwork every 3-4 years,
which helps keep your home dust free.
Copyright © 2008 www.heatingcoolingadvice.com All rights reserved.
Back to Top