Maintenance of an Oil-Fired Floor Furnace

Servicing

• Have your oil-fired floor furnace inspected once a year by a qualified technician. The venting system, pilot and burner operation should be inspected, and a safety performance check should be made. Some furnaces may require more frequent inspections if they are exposed to large amounts of lint.

Cleaning

• Dirt, dust and hair build up quickly in oil-fired floor furnaces because of their location under the floor. If the vents become clogged, the furnace won’t run well. Vacuum dust and dirt regularly, especially from the burner compartment. Make sure you turn the control valve off first and let the furnace cool before cleaning. Regular cleaning will also reduce the risk of a fire since the debris is combustible. Use a damp cloth to wipe down your furnace. Don’t use cleaning fluids or solvents, because they will leave a residue that will burn.

Chimney

• Oil-fired floor furnaces are connected to chimneys, which need to be inspected every year, and cleaned if needed. Otherwise soot can build up on the inside walls and at the base of the chimney, causing it to decay. Masonry chimneys and metal chimneys are both subject to corrosion from soot. Both the interior and the exterior of the chimney should be inspected, along with the flashing and chimney cap.

Other Considerations

• Your furnace needs a good air flow in order to burn properly. Don’t place household items, including rugs and furniture, over the grilles. In addition to contributing to inefficient burning, blockages are a fire risk. Don’t store flammable materials near your floor furnace, because they could easily catch on fire. Don’t let curtains drape over the furnace grille either. Oil-fired floor furnaces are susceptible to damage from water that spills or leaks onto the floor. Watch for water spills, and turn the furnace off, if parts of it become drenched, before calling your service technician.