Cleaning your chimney oil furnace is essential to ensure its efficiency and safe operation. That said, it’s not always simple, and if you try and do it yourself, there are a couple of things you need to know about the process. While this isn’t a step-by-step guide, these are some things you’d have to do to get the job done right.
- Before you start, check that the main power switch, burner door lock lever, and fuel valve are in the “off” position.
- Get a proper cleaning brush, fireproof gloves, respirator, and safety glasses, then clean the smoke pipes from soot buildup.
- Depending on the type of fuel you are using and how often it has been used, you may also need to clean inside the chimney and heat exchanger – this should be left for professionals if in doubt or for more thorough cleaning.
- Make sure to open an inspection plate or door too – doing this will let hot gases escape safely when starting up again.
- Don’t forget to remove any soot or ash build-up from around the base of the unit as well as the inlet air adjuster damper assembly before restarting your oil furnace.
And if this sounds like it’s more than you want to do or something you’re not sure you can do safely, call Winston’s Chimney Services at 703-379-5006. We are CSIA certified to sweep (clean) oil furnace flues.
Why Should I Clean the Furnace Chimney Flue?
Keeping your chimney furnace flue clean is a critical step for keeping your home better protected from harmful gases and fires, as well as for maintaining furnace performance. Soot that builds up in the flue can become highly combustible and ignite, potentially leading to a catastrophic home fire. Additionally, clogging of the flue can lead to hazardous carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
All in all, sweeping the furnace chimney flue will reduce your fire risk, maintain air quality within your home, and help ensure optimal furnace functioning for years to come. To ensure that you have adequately prepared for winter weather and use your system with peace of mind, it’s essential to get your yearly sweep done without fail.
What Exactly Is an Oil Furnace Chimney?
Oil furnace chimneys are flues that let the gases and particles due to combustion escape to the outside, and they are specifically designed to expel fumes from the kerosene or fuel oil burning processes. They are also typically more efficient than coal and wood-burning chimney systems.
The design of an oil furnace chimney prevents dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, from entering the home. Furthermore, due to its hazardous nature, proper installation is necessary for safer functioning, so examining for proper pitch and support stability should always be a priority when inspecting an oil furnace chimney and venting system.
To ensure the best performance, regular tune-ups of the furnace unit and sweeping of the flue should be conducted at least annually.
What Are Common Problems Associated With an Oil Chimney Furnace?
An oil chimney furnace is a common type of furnace used to heat residential homes, but unfortunately, it comes with a few risks. This is why maintenance and upkeep of the system are essential, as improper methods can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, lowered efficiency, or a house fire. Soot buildup and clogged venting can also impede proper operation.
Regular professional maintenance is recommended due to the propensity of oil fuel to leave behind heavy deposits that can affect performance and safety. Installing proper chimney liners is also important because otherwise oils from exhaust fumes may linger around the home and enter through windows, doors, or ventilation systems.
All that said, despite these common problems associated with an oil furnace chimney, proper setup and maintenance allows homeowners access to an efficient source of heat that helps maintain thermal comfort during cold winter months. Stay safer by booking an appointment with us today.
What Are Some Tips for Maintaining My Oil Furnace Chimney After Cleaning?
After having your oil furnace flue swept, best practices are to routinely check areas around the furnace vent connection and pipe, looking for soot deposits or any condensation leaks in the vent pipes and wall connections. If you notice these items contact your chimney professional right away.
Also, remember to keep all combustibles (boxes, paint, etc) at least 36-inches from the oil furnace and its vent pipes. These can pose a fire danger.
And lastly, don’t forget about the damper or flap in the face of the vent pipe. Check that it operates smoothly and there are no obstructions. Following these easy tips after cleaning your oil furnace chimney service will help maintain its condition and ensure a safe winter heating season.
Hire Us for an In-Depth Cleaning
Winston’s Chimney Service is here to help keep all your chimney and venting equipment and appliances maintained and healthy, including oil-fired furnace flues. Call us at 703-379-5006 or reach out to us online now.
