If your burner still fails to operate, PLEASE CALL!
The best way to improve your heating system is to get regular tune-ups. Besides saving money on fuel, tune-ups can reveal safety problems such as frayed wires, worn parts, or a blocked chimney or flue. A tune-up also removes the impurities that build up in your system, and reduces the need for a heating system repair. Besides returning your heating system to peak efficiency, you’ll extend the life of critical parts like the heat exchanger by having your system cleaned and tuned regularly.
There is some soot produced by your oil fired equipment and this should be cleaned out every few years. When you have work done on your chimney, also have it checked for cracks in the lining, and removal of leaves and other debris. If you burn a wood stove, you should have your chimney cleaned every 2-3 years. Sometimes birds will build nests in the chimney and cause problems by restricting the flow of air away from your furnace. You can reduce this problem by placing a cap on your chimney. They will not restrict the airflow, and will keep leaves, rain, and other types of debris from becoming lodged in your chimney. *Always call for a Cleaning and Tune-up after having your chimney cleaned. Soot and debris is pushed down to the base of the chimney and may cause a blockage.
Here is a checklist of items you can easily observe about your oil tank, but remember: look – don’t touch. Even if you can see rust or an oily patch of wetness on the tank’s surface, do not touch your tank. It’s best to call your licensed oil heat technician and let a professional take care of it.