Oil furnace won't kick on

[happybird]

Last edited Fri Oct 18, 2024, 01:20 PM - Edit history (1)

Wasn't sure where to put this so went with the Lounge.

My heat/oil furnace was working fine two days ago, the last time I had it on. It's chilly tonight so I turned the thermostat up when I got home from work. Noticed about 10 minutes later the heat hadn't kicked on. Checked both emergency turn off switches, checked the breaker box (and even flipped the Furnace switches off and back on), and tried the red reset button on the furnace. Nothing. Ugh.

Looked online and everything seems to suggest I need the repair person to come out. Is there anything else I can try before making that call tomorrow? Note: I am not handy/mechanically inclined.


Add: Oil company is coming out on Monday to fix it. It’s staying about 55 degrees in the house, which I don’t mind, but the cats are a little displeased. Heating pads have been deployed.

[Aussie105]

1. Sounds like you have done all you can do.

Make that call.

[happybird]

2. Thanks.

That's what I was afraid of– was hoping to avoid calling the landlord (who happens to be my Dad). Sigh.

[Bristlecone]

3. This happened to us once, the boiler wouldn't fire

No matter what I tried. Tech came out next day and did some kickstart or other and got it to go. Butherus boiler, only a few years old. Didn’t happen before or after.

[happybird]

4. This is my 4th or maybe 5th winter here

and have never had a problem. Hopefully it's something simple. Thanks!

[johnp3907]

5. Do oil funaces have a drain pan?

If so and it's full of water it could trigger a float shut-off.

[happybird]

6. No idea

I'll google and check it out. Thanks!

[happybird]

9. oh my. I went back down after googling the pan location

and now there is water on the floor. I guess maybe messing with the breaker did… something? I could hear a small hiss of water running, which I definitely didn’t hear before. Turned off both emergency switches, just to be safe. The furnace is raised off the floor so it should be ok. Calling repair guy tomorrow.

[duncang]

7. Do you have

Or can you get a non contact voltage meter? If not they are pretty cheap about $20. That at least may get you to a point where you know what’s bad. They don’t require taking anything apart. Just put next to the wire and it will tell you if you have power. It may not change having to call a person to repair it. But it might help keep the cost down by knowing if you lost power along the way. You might be able to tell the person you lost power at what point and possibly save them a trip back to the shop or supplier.

Not much of an answer but could help.

[happybird]

10. There's water on the floor now...

Which appeared after I flipped the breakers off and back on.
I think the repairman is required, it’s too much for me to handle with confidence.
Thanks!

[Prairie_Seagull]

13. are you positive its water?

be careful until you are certain. if it is coming from an oil tank or line. get someone out now.

cut finger caps hard.

[happybird]

14. Definitely water

Thanks!

[Prairie_Seagull]

15. good to hear. i could fix itt for you but the airfare would be daunting.haha

[happybird]

16. :)

[OAITW r.2.0]

8. When was your last tune-up?

For some reason that I don't understand, the furnace requires a new nozzle every couple of years. Worth doing to saving excess oil burn, IMHO.

The other thing is oil...did you run out? Assuming you did, you need to bleed the line to get rid of air bubbles in the fuel line. You might need help...Google? to see how, It;s not that hard to do, but get something to catch the fuel that will be exhausted in the process ( typically < an ounce)..

[happybird]

11. Just got filled up at the beginning of September

and was pleasantly surprised to see prices have come down. As far as I know, the last tune up was before I moved in, back in 2020.

I went down there again to check for a drain pan and now there is water on the floor, and I could hear water running in the furnace that I didn’t hear before messing with the breaker. Something must be cracked or… I don’t know. Maybe that nozzle you mentioned? Turned off both emergency switches and calling the landlord and the repairman tomorrow.

It’s not too chilly. In fact, I like it cold in my bedroom for sleeping but the cats seemed displeased, which is why I put the heat on, lol. Bee came down to help and now Mr. Extra Fluffy Winter Coat has black feet and belly (must be soot, it has no scent and there’s no oil on the floor).

Thanks!

[OAITW r.2.0]

12. When furnances don't run for a while. Shut off or out of fuel, they leak water, Why?

Heat contraction makes the seals leaky. Once the furnace runs again and everything warms up, seals work and no more leaks.

[Figarosmom]

17. If your oil tank is outside there could have been water condisation with all those hot days

Which means water in the line . Could have done in the ignitor. Repair guy. Or you could be out of oil.