It’s common knowledge that a car’s fuel injectors can become damaged when you run out of gas, but is the same true for your oil furnace? This handy guide should put all Hagerstown, Maryland, homeowners at ease.
Running out of Oil Will Not Damage Your Furnace
It’s much better for your heating system if you don’t let the oil run out, but it’s certainly not the end of the world. What happens when your furnace runs out of oil is simple: it stops working and you’ll need to order more. There’s a safety system in place in every furnace that disables the burner when there’s no flame, so you don’t need to worry about any safety issues. You may, however, need to replace your filter before resetting the furnace, so plan on having it replaced when you call to have the unit serviced.
Running out of Oil May Result in Your Line Having to Be Bled
The worst that could happen, apart from your furnace shutting off in frigid temperatures, is that a technician will have to come in and bleed the oil line. This is necessary for restarting a furnace or boiler that’s been off for a while after the oil has run out. It’s a fairly simple process, but it will cost extra.
Avoid the Problem by Not Going Below ¼ Full
You can easily avoid the issue of running out of heating oil by always having your oil tank filled when it gets down to ¼ of the way full. If you’re in good standing with your oil company, you can set up regularly scheduled deliveries based on how often you’d need to fill up from ¼ full. If your oil company doesn’t provide this type of service, keep an eye on your tank’s oil level and order more when your gauge reads this particular amount.
Additionally, while running out of heating oil does not immediately damage your furnace or oil tank, it can lead to issues that may affect the efficiency and longevity of your heating system. Here are some additional points to consider regarding the impact on your furnace and oil tank:
Sediment Build-up: Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of your oil tank. When the oil level is low, these sediments might be drawn into the fuel line, which can clog the filter and potentially harm the burner components.
Maintenance and Efficiency: Running out of oil can require a system restart, which might involve more than just refilling the tank. If sediments have entered the system, this can affect the efficiency of your furnace. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues and to keep your furnace running smoothly.
Preventative Measures: To avoid the inconvenience and potential costs associated with running out of oil, consider setting up an automatic delivery schedule with your heating oil provider. This ensures that your tank never drops below a critical level, thereby maintaining consistent operation and preventing sediment issues.
System Longevity: Keeping your oil tank filled can also help extend the life of your heating system. A well-maintained oil level helps to avoid unnecessary strain or operational issues, which can lead to longer-term damage if not addressed.
Seasonal Considerations: Especially during the colder months, ensuring a consistent supply of heating oil is essential. Running out can not only mean a cold home but can also trigger issues that are more challenging to address during winter, when heating system components are under more stress.
By understanding the implications of letting your oil tank run low and taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your heating system remains reliable and efficient. Regular maintenance, along with a scheduled oil delivery service, can help mitigate these risks, keeping your home comfortable and your heating system in good condition year-round.
Let Griffith Energy Services take care of all of your heating concerns and ac repair needs. Call us at 888-474-3391 to speak with a knowledgeable technician today.
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