Many homeowners recently fired up their oil furnaces for the first time this season. If they’ve invested in proper service and maintenance, chances are high that their equipment will keep them comfortably warm all winter long. Hopefully all homeowners are aware that regular maintenance is essential for proper and safe operation of oil furnaces, said Al Breda, service manager, Sippin Energy Products, Monroe, Conn., and president of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP).
“As long as I can remember, fuel oil suppliers have made it clear to their customers that an annual maintenance visit is required,” said Breda. “I am still of the opinion that an annual tune-up is necessary. Maybe not for the same reasons as 30 years ago, as older oil furnaces had to be cleaned once a year because oil burners were not tuned-up with today’s precision adjustments. Although times have changed, and a well-running oil furnace should have little or no soot accumulation, the furnace should be inspected for safety, as well as checked to be sure it is set up for maximum efficiency.”