Troubleshooting Black Soot on an Oil Furnace

Oil furnaces produce heat by burning oil and while the furnaces are important for safety during cold winter months, there is an environmental impact because oil does not burn cleanly. The byproducts from oil consumption should be vented out of the home by the furnace. If black soot starts building up on the furnace, it indicates the furnace is not venting or burning properly and troubleshooting is immediately required to ensure the furnace is safe for use.

Instructions

- 1
  Open the inspection door to the furnace and carefully hold your hand up to it to gauge temperature. If your hand is comfortable, the soot should not be the result of a blockage in the system. If it is too hot for you to keep your hand there and if black smoke comes out, there is possibly a clog in the chimney or flue pipe that needs removal.
- 2
  Inspect the gaskets around the insulation door for signs of damage. If they are cracked or warped, they need replacement because they allow smoke to leak out and this causes soot.
- 3
  Replace the air filter. This helps improve overall efficiency and may eliminate the soot problem. A badly clogged filter won't allow air to pass through it and increased soot is a common side effect.
- 4
  Inspect the pipes for signs of leaks. Dripping oil, cracks and soot buildup on a particular section of piping indicates a potential leak and the leak needs sealing or the pipe needs replacement.
- 5
  Check the oil burner. If it is excessively dirty, the oil doesn't burn properly and soot results. The burner needs cleaning.

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