What Causes Heavy black smoke from the firebox of an oil burning boiler?

Improper burning is the cause of black smoke coming from a boiler. It can also be caused by oil building up in the combustion chamber due to delayed ignition. This is known as “puff back” and is dangerous as the excess oil can suddenly ignite, causing a shooting flame and potentially splattering oil out of the boiler.

How often should I clean my oil furnace?

Your oil furnace should be cleaned and checked twice each heating season and serviced by a professional each fall.

How often should you clean your oil furnace?

What should I do if my oil furnace goes off?

Making sure the filter is kept clean and monitoring fuel levels as a regular part of oil tank maintenance should help lower the chances of the heating going off. You can also check the electrical supply to make sure it’s functioning. If everything is as it should be, it could indicate there is a problem with the controls.

What’s the best way to clean an oil furnace fan?

Fan blades collect a lot of dirt and debris, too, so they require cleaning as well. Gently brush the blades and if possible, soak them in soapy water to loosen the dirt. Once cleaned, dry with a rag. Use your vacuum if any more stubborn dirt is left hanging on the blade. Check the corners and edges as well to ensure they are clean.

How do you clean a furnace combustion chamber?

Remove the preformed refractory lining from the door. There may be a small liner blanket behind the preformed refractory liner that should be removed as well. Clean the area the same way as the inside of the chamber and vacuum. Remove the rope seal from the inside edge of the door.

When to replace the filter on an oil furnace?

If your oil furnace gets too difficult to clean, the furnace filter should be replaced with a new one. Always remember that when working on home appliances that turning off the main power source is very important. Working on an appliance that is currently powered can cause electrical accidents and burns.