Do You Need Late Season Heating Repairs?

Written on: February 28, 2022

While spring is not too far away, we all know from experience that it’s way too soon to pack away our winter yet. No matter what the calendar says, we’ve seen plenty of chilly springs here in the Hudson Valley.

So, if it’s been a while since you’ve had your heating oil boiler or furnace checked by a technician, start thinking about arranging for spring maintenance service.

Regular equipment maintenance is a vital money-saving investment for heating systems– not just because it can keep your equipment running safely and at peak efficiency, but also because four out of five heating system breakdowns are preventable if you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

A tune-up service also allows your heating oil technician to spot minor issues before they become big problems (worn parts, a burner that needs adjustment, etc.) 

Be Aware of Red Flags

If you’ve noticed any problems with your system this winter, please don’t ignore it. These are most likely “red flags” alerting you to the need for professional service.

Here are just a few examples.

• Oil odors. If your heating oil system is working properly, you should never smell fuel oil. An oil smell could be caused by a leak, burner troubles, a heat exchanger failure or exhaust system problems. You should schedule service as soon as possible to correct this situation.
• Smoky odors when your burner is operating. If a fireplace or exhaust fan is running at the same time as your oil burner, this can result in a smoky odor because a backdraft is pulling flue gases through the exhaust system and into the home. If you actually see smoke coming from your heating system, shut it down immediately and call for professional service.

Unusual Noises

Here are a few sounds and the possible cause. Note: a correct diagnosis can only be made with an onsite visit by our service technician.

• Banging, whistling, howling or the sound of rushing water in your pipes. These are common symptoms of air in the pipes, insufficient water flow or a build-up of sludge.
• Booming or rumbling burner. It’s normal to hear a burner start operating, but if it makes a loud boom, also known as a “hard start,” the burner is not igniting properly. It needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
• Straining sound from the fuel pump. This means that there is a clog somewhere in the delivery system, for instance, in a filter or supply line.

If you are experiencing problems or have questions about reducing your heating costs or simply using energy around your home in smarter ways, please get in touch with your local Hudson Valley Bioheat® fuel company and they’ll be glad to help.