Troubleshooting/Safety | Propane, Heating Oil, Diesel Fuel | Countryside Fuel and LP Gas, Propane

Furnace trouble? Before you invest time and money into a technician run a few simple checks yourself. The fix may be as simple as flipping a switch! While fuel oil is a safe source of heat, a malfunctioning furnace/boiler can be dangerous – know the warning signs.

What do I do if my Carbon Monoxide alarm sounds?

Our service technicians are not trained to test the air quality in your home, nor do they have the proper equipment to do so. Contact your local fire department and evacuate your home.

Can my heating system produce Carbon Monoxide?

Yes. Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct of combustion. During normal combustion, each atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen, forming a harmless gas called Carbon Dioxide (CO2). When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure complete combustion of the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom of oxygen, forming carbon monoxide (CO) gas, a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas. Any fuel-burning appliance that is not adequately vented and maintained can be a potential source of Carbon Monoxide (CO).

The most important safeguard against CO risks is a properly working Carbon Monoxide detector. Battery-operated Carbon Monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They may be purchased at almost any store that sells home supplies.

What if there are fumes coming from my furnace/heating system?

Fumes or oil smells coming from your system are not normal and may indicate several things about your system:

Your tanks were recently filled. After your oil tanks are filled, it is normal to smell fumes or oil vapors in your basement or area that the fuel tanks are located. This is normal and the fumes should dissipate within several days.
If you haven’t had your tanks filled recently, your system could need maintenance. Though these fumes are not dangerous, this is a sign that something may be wrong with you oil burner. Contact customer service to get a service person out to your home or business to fix the issue.

What happens if there is a leak in my oil tank?

If there is a leak in your oil tank, this could pose a serious problem to your drinking water, soil, etc. To see if you have a leak, check for signs of pooling, strange taste or odor in your water, a sharp rise in your oil bill, or signs of rust or corrosion. If any of these problems occur, immediately contact customer service to get a service person out to your home to repair the leak quickly and efficiently.

What if my boiler/furnace breaks down?

We have developed a close relationship with various service and repair companies across our service area. If we can’t provide you with answers and heating solutions to your problem, we will refer you to one of our trusted service partners.

Is there anything that I can do to troubleshoot my furnace?

Yes. Follow the suggestions below.

Burner does not run:

Check the thermostat. The temperature might be set too low. Turn the thermostat 5 degrees higher than usual.
Check the main switch and make sure it is not turned off.
Check to see if the circuit breaker or fuse is blown
Unit might be off on safety. Press the reset button ONE time.

Unit seems to run too often:

Check the filter and replace if clogged

Chimney Smokes:

A cold chimney flue causes this when the unit first fires; however, if it persists this can indicate incomplete combustion or another problem. Do not attempt to troubleshoot or fix on your own. Call for service.