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Why is My Oil Heater Not Turning On?

Your heater not turning on when you need it to is one of the worst feelings. Especially during these colder months. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do to get it working again, but don’t fret; we’re here to help. Chances are, the problem you’re experiencing is easily fixable. In this blog post, we will discuss some common reasons why your heater might not be working and provide you with some simple solutions. So read on to find out more! 

A Dead or Faulty Thermostat Could Be Your Issue

The thermostat is a finicky little piece of technology. A piece of technology that is oftentimes the cause for error in your home heating and cooling systems. It’s the “brains” of the operation, and if there is anything wrong with it (big or small), then it isn’t going to work properly. 

Quick Fix: Chances are, you have a digital thermostat. It may seem overly simple, but go ahead and switch out the batteries. Make sure the system is on “heat” mode and turn it on again. If this doesn’t work, you may need an entirely new thermostat.

Are You Out of Oil?

Running out of fuel is an easy thing to miss. Most people don’t run down to the basement every day to make sure they have enough heating oil for the season. Even if you do, the float gauges in oil tanks are notoriously unreliable. They break, or they get gunked up with old oil and stop working properly. 

This float and arm mechanism inside the tank is supposed to measure how much oil is left in the tank by floating on the surface, but the problem is that these gauges often get stuck in one position, leading the homeowner to believe they have much more oil than they actually do. 

Quick Fix: If your float gauge isn’t functioning properly, you’re going to have to measure the amount of oil in your tank the old fashioned way: with a yardstick. Here’s a guide on how to measure the amount of heating oil in your tank, and here is the required chart to go with it

Try The Reset Button – BUT ONLY PRESS IT ONE TIME!

We know you’re tired of hearing it, but just like when you call an IT customer support line, we’re going to tell you to restart the unit. It is incredibly important, however, that you only press this button one time. Once. If you press the reset button on your furnace more than one time, you could flood the system, leading to you having a cold house for longer and an oil smell that is hard to get out. 

Quick Fix: Look around on your furnace to find the button that clearly states “RESET” — it should be pretty obvious which button to press. Don’t press it yet, just locate it. First, go to your thermostat, make sure it is on “heat mode” and turn it on to the highest setting. Then, return to your furnace to press the reset button. If the heat turns on, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, again, do not press this button again but instead contact us at Bucks County Fuel and we’ll have a technician come out to help you. 

Heating Repair Specialists In Southeastern PA

Bucks County Fuel provides reliable heating repair services in the Bucks County area at affordable rates. When your heating system is not providing the warmth you and your family need, give us a call for professional heating repair services. We’ve been serving homeowners and business owners for over 10 years, offering the best heating and cooling services in your area. Our specialists are ready at a moment’s notice to diagnose your heater’s issues, then provide a solution that makes sense. We understand heating your home can be costly, that is why we are dedicated to providing affordable heater repair services to all of our customers. By saving our customers’ money year after year, we strive to be the best HVAC company in Bucks County. We even provide the best heating oil prices in your area and offer free delivery!
Already working with Bucks County Fuel? Check out our heating oil discounts — Refer a friend or neighbor and enjoy $25.00 off your next oil delivery. In addition to that, your friend or neighbor will also receive $25.00 off their next oil delivery!