How to bleed an oil furnace

Last Updated: January 29, Approved. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff.

It is sometimes necessary to bleed air between the oil supply and the burner of an oil-fired boiler. After the tank has been re-filled, the air trapped in the oil pipe needs to be released so that fuel can reach the burner and allow it to re-start. This blog is designed to talk you through the steps involved in bleeding a burner…. It is always advisable for homeowners to keep a regular eye on the amount of oil in their fuel tank and to get it topped up before it runs out. If the oil supply feeding the boiler does run out, air can become trapped in the fuel supply line between the tank and boiler. This process, which is very simple and takes less than five minutes to complete, can be carried out by either the user of the boiler or a heating engineer.

How to bleed an oil furnace

Last Updated: May 23, References. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more Before you call the repairman or start shopping for a new furnace, check the fuel source and make sure the line to the furnace is void of air. Running low on or being out of fuel can cause a furnace to not restart even after you replenish the fuel supply. You may simply need to bleed an oil furnace line and start it up again. Skip to Content. Edit this Article. Popular Categories. Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies.

Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games. Bleed the line until only fuel comes out.

A guide to restarting oil heating boilers after they've been off for a while or the oil has run out. Yeah, I've been getting to do plenty of this lately. A lot of people don't know how to do this when they first move out or in to a house with oil heating after they've used gas or electric all their lives Go to the oil tank and make sure there's oil in it, or you'll be wasting your time You'll need either a small spanner or Allen key, in my case it's an Allen key. There'll be a red button, often lit up on the front. Make sure the heating system is in the "on" cycle and press the button, the boiler will start doing things and trying to fire up.

As the backbone of many home heating systems, oil furnaces require regular maintenance to ensure efficient and safe operation. One crucial aspect of this maintenance is the process of bleeding the furnace. This procedure is essential for the removal of air trapped within the fuel lines, which can impede the efficiency of your heating system. For homeowners, understanding how to bleed an oil furnace is an invaluable skill. It not only enhances the performance and longevity of the furnace but also contributes to maintaining a comfortable and warm environment in your home. In this guide, we will delve into the significance of regular furnace maintenance and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the bleeding process. From spotting the telltale signs that your furnace needs bleeding to walking you through the steps involved, this article aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to perform this task safely and effectively. An essential part of this maintenance is bleeding the furnace, a process that might sound intimidating but is quite manageable with the right knowledge and tools. An oil furnace, like any mechanical system, undergoes wear and tear.

How to bleed an oil furnace

Last Updated: May 23, References. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more Before you call the repairman or start shopping for a new furnace, check the fuel source and make sure the line to the furnace is void of air. Running low on or being out of fuel can cause a furnace to not restart even after you replenish the fuel supply.

Fire wings

Locate the bleed screw on the fuel pump near where the fuel line comes in. Register product. Don't be too disappointed, it's very rare for you to get lucky but it has happened to me and it seems to help get the fuel moving a little bit. Use a small crescent wrench or pliers to slightly loosen the bleed screw. This article has been viewed , times. Check fuses and breakers when the furnace doesn't light. Colette Ruoff Mar 22, It didn't fire? Start to loosen the bleed screw using your wrench or Allen key. The bucket will catch any fuel that sputters out as you bleed an oil furnace. If your boiler pressure is too high or low, it may lockout.

Last Updated: January 29, Approved.

Once the screw is sufficiently loose, push the reset button on your boiler. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5. Categories: Heating Systems. Check to see if the burner lockout button is lit red, indicating that it has locked out. Go to the oil tank and make sure there's oil in it, or you'll be wasting your time Read our handy guide to measuring your oil usage. Choose an oversized rather than undersized container. The screw is usually a small nipple-like screw. Colette Ruoff Mar 22, However, if yours has this feature, you should find it located on the furnace, usually close to the oil tank. Replacing a stripped bleed screw can be a very costly project. Oil remaining in tubing can make a big mess when being replaced. With a wrench, bucket and funnel I didn't have a nylon hose , I was able to do this on the first try.