What Happens When The Furnace Runs Out Of Oil?

February 5, 2024

image of homeowner with question marks depicting what happens when furnace runs out of oil

Owning a home can sometimes feel like constantly tackling a never-ending series of tasks. It’s as though for every chore you finish, a couple more spring up in its place. Whether it’s addressing a dripping faucet in the bathroom, replacing light bulbs, doing the laundry, or mending a broken fence, there’s always something waiting for your attention.

Ensuring your heating oil supply is sufficient is another task on the extensive homeowner checklist. Those who choose will-call or Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.) service for their heating oil delivery have the responsibility of keeping an eye on their tank levels, typically calling for a refill when it reaches about 30% capacity. But what if you suddenly find your tank unexpectedly empty in the whirlwind of a busy life? This article discusses what happens when furnace runs out of oil.

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Can a Depleted Oil Tank Harm My Heating System?

Contents

1 Can a Depleted Oil Tank Harm My Heating System?
2 Call Columbus Energies For Superior Heating Oil Services

Running out of heating oil is a common concern among homeowners, with many pondering the possible repercussions. One prevalent worry is whether an empty oil tank can cause harm to your heating system, akin to the damage that occurs to a car’s fuel injector when it runs out of gas.

What Occurs When an Oil Furnace Depletes Its Fuel Supply?

image of a homeowner feeling chilly due to running out of home heating oil

Thankfully, running out of fuel in your heating oil tank does not lead to damage in your furnace.

While it’s a relief to know that an empty tank won’t harm your furnace, it’s undoubtedly preferable to maintain a full tank. A significant benefit is avoiding the hassle of running out, particularly during cold weather. Naturally, without a supply of oil, your furnace will cease to function, leaving you without heat until you can replenish your oil supply. Hence, it’s wise to keep a consistent and adequate supply of fuel to ensure uninterrupted heating.

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Your Heating System & Damage

The good news is that running out of oil doesn’t equate to damage or breakage in your furnace. However, the timing of running out of oil often seems to align with the least convenient moments. For instance, as the colder weather sets in and your furnace starts to consume more oil, a low supply could mean you’re more likely to run out. This situation can be problematic in various ways, not least because a house without heating can increase the risk of illness, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Rest assured, if your heating oil supply runs out, it won’t cause any damage to your furnace. Additionally, no immediate safety concerns are associated with a depleted heating oil tank. However, this doesn’t imply that no other issues can arise from an empty tank.

Line Bleeding And Oil System Filter Replacement

In the face of extremely cold temperatures, you might encounter frozen water pipes. Should these pipes burst, they can lead to a range of problems, including water damage to your home, the growth of mold, and expensive repair costs.

Heating Oil Filter

After replenishing your oil supply, resetting the furnace becomes necessary, and it’s an opportune moment to consider replacing the oil system’s filter. Usually, this is a cartridge filter located on your furnace, water heater, or oil-fired boiler. Encased in a canister, the filter is strategically placed in the middle of the oil burner and the incoming oil line, filtering the oil before it enters the heating system. Additionally, running out of oil might necessitate bleeding your line, a task best handled by a skilled professional. In such cases, it’s advisable to call an expert to bleed the fuel line and restart your furnace or boiler.

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Why Do I Need To Bleed The Line?

Bleeding the line becomes essential when you’ve run out of fuel because the sediment and contaminants at the base of the heating oil tank can be drawn into your fuel lines. Allowing these particles to enter your heating system can lead to blockages and potentially expensive repairs for your furnace. Thus, bleeding the line is a crucial service to undertake whenever your fuel supply runs dry.

Arranging an appointment for this service isn’t without cost, so it’s important to carefully schedule a suitable time for the HVAC contractor’s visit. These appointments might not always align conveniently with your personal schedule, providing yet another compelling reason to prevent this situation altogether. Ensuring that your fuel supply doesn’t run out is a proactive way to avoid such inconveniences and additional expenses.

Timing Your Fuel Oil Order

A good practice is to plan a refill for your oil tank when it reaches the 25-30 percent capacity mark. To further safeguard against running out, consider arranging a regular home heating oil delivery schedule with a reliable delivery company. This proactive approach can ensure a consistent supply and peace of mind.

If you encounter any issues with your furnace or if it requires maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned technician. They can provide a professional assessment and help restore your heating system to excellent working condition.

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Call Columbus Energies For Superior Heating Oil Services

For all your HVAC and oil delivery needs in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region, contact Columbus Energies. We are family-owned and operated and have been in business for over 60 years. Our company has withstood the test of time by delivering honest, high-quality services that locals can trust. We treat our customers like family. You can always count on our experienced technicians to provide you with service that goes above and beyond your expectations.

For those that use oil-heat, you can select from one of our various oil delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your fuel deliveries to meet your needs. Not only that, but we employ the best professionally certified HVAC contractors who can perform exceptional HVAC services. Some of these services include oil tank replacements, air conditioning maintenance, boiler installations, and more. All of our home comfort services are affordable and are done accurately and promptly at all times.

Schedule a service appointment with Columbus Energies by calling today. Call now and receive a free, in-home estimate.

Call Now: (508) 674-1492

Contact us now by calling (508) 674-1492 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists! Click the link to view our service area.

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$HVAC units play a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and safety of modern building environments. Yet, these indispensable systems are not immune to the challenges of power surges. Such surges, frequently resulting from events like lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid, can unleash a rapid influx of electrical current. This sudden surge can inflict severe damage on vital components of the HVAC system, including the compressor, fan motor, and control board. The repercussions of such damage can range from expensive repairs to the necessity of replacing the entire HVAC unit. Given these risks, implementing surge protectors and adhering to electrical safety best practices to safeguard HVAC systems effectively is paramount. Is Your HVAC System Secured Against Power Surges? Pondering over protecting your HVAC system against power surges often indicates a need for proactive measures. Seek the expertise of a seasoned HVAC technician who is ready to evaluate and enhance your system's resilience against power surges. Their guidance and recommendations will ensure that your HVAC system is well-prepared to withstand the challenges posed by unexpected power surges and outages. Understanding Power Surges: What Are They? A power surge represents an abrupt spike in electrical voltage, surpassing the standard levels within a power supply system. These surges can manifest for various reasons, including sudden disruptions in the electrical current flow. Common triggers for these surges include events like lightning strikes, power outages, or the switching on and off of large electrical appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and elevators. Power surges, often lasting merely a fraction of a second, can nonetheless wreak significant havoc on electrical devices and appliances. The surge's excessive electrical energy overburdens and damages the sensitive electronic components within these devices, potentially leading to malfunctions or total failures. Differentiating Power Surge, Power Outage, and Brownout While power surges, power outages, and brownouts all stem from electrical power supply disturbances, they each describe distinct phenomena: Power Surge: This is a brief, intense increase in electrical voltage, due to lightning strikes, outages, or high-powered equipment. A power surge can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances hence surge protectors are essential to safeguard them from potential damage. Power Outage: This event happens when there's an interruption in the electrical power supply to a location, leading to a total loss of power. Numerous factors, such as severe weather conditions and electrical equipment failure, can trigger power outages or even planned maintenance activities. Brownout: Characterized by a reduction in voltage within the electrical power supply, a brownout manifests as dimming or flickering lights and reduced power to appliances. Causes range from high demand on the power grid to equipment malfunctions or issues within the electrical system of a specific building or area. Don't let power surges damage your HVAC system. Contact Columbus Energies now for professional surge protection solutions and ensure your system's longevity and performance! HVAC Components Vulnerable to Power Surges Here are several parts affected by power surges: HVAC Control Board Often referred to as the system's "brain," the HVAC control board is critical for communication with the thermostat. A power surge can damage this component, disrupting its function. Such damage impairs the HVAC system's ability to regulate temperature effectively, leading to insufficient heating or cooling. This can result in discomfort, especially during periods of extreme temperatures. HVAC Compressor Motor This crucial part of your HVAC system, recognizable as a box with wires protruding, plays a pivotal role in refrigerant compression. It converts low-pressure, cool refrigerant into a high-pressure, heated state. The motor, integral to the compressor, is prone to power surge damage. It consists of numerous wires that transform electrical energy into kinetic energy. A surge can cause these wires to overheat, potentially leading to combustion. Furthermore, a compromised motor affects the compressor's performance, hindering its ability to function efficiently. HVAC Capacitor This essential component, typically oval-shaped, serves as a storage unit for electrical charge, crucial for powering the electrical components in your HVAC system. Vulnerable to power surges, the capacitor can sustain damage when exposed to such events. This damage may result in operational difficulties for your HVAC system. HVAC Relay Switch This switch plays a crucial role in your HVAC system, acting to turn on or off components that require high-voltage power. A key feature of most relay switches is an electrical contactor surrounded by a coil. In the event of a voltage exceeding a specific threshold, as in a power surge, the coil is likely to burn out. This can lead to a broken circuit, causing the relay switch to malfunction. Keep your HVAC system safe from power surges with Columbus Energies' comprehensive surge protection services. Reach out to us today for peace of mind and reliable protection! Preventing Power Surge Damage to Your HVAC System Power surges pose a severe risk to HVAC systems, potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Listed below are several tips to protect your HVAC system from power surge damage: Install Surge Protectors: Placing surge protectors on your HVAC unit and electrical panels offers crucial defense against unexpected power surges. These devices act as a barrier, safeguarding your system. Unplug Appliances During Storms: As a precaution, disconnect your HVAC system and other appliances during thunderstorms or severe weather. This simple action can prevent potential damage from lightning-induced surges. Utilize High-Quality Wiring: Implementing top-tier wiring and components is crucial in safeguarding your HVAC system against power surge damage. For optimal safety and efficiency, it's advisable to have these elements installed by a skilled electrician. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Consistently maintaining your HVAC system is a proactive way to prevent surge-related damage. Key practices include cleaning and replacing air filters, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector: Consider a whole-house surge protector for comprehensive protection. Installed at your main electrical panel, it shields your entire home, HVAC system included, from power surges, thus securing all your appliances. Ensure your HVAC system's safety and longevity with Columbus Energies' top-notch surge protection services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your investment! HVAC Power Surge Damage & Warranty Limitations Warranties from HVAC manufacturers typically exclude coverage for power surge damage. Relying on homeowners' insurance can be complex, as proving surge-related damage is often difficult, especially when it accumulates over time. Consequently, homeowners might find themselves responsible for expensive HVAC repairs arising from incidents like lightning strikes, overloaded electrical circuits, or appliance-related issues. Conclusion HVAC systems represent a significant investment crucial for home comfort. Proactive prevention is vital to avoid incurring high costs from power surge damages. Investing in protective measures is a wise choice compared to facing the expense of repairs or replacements. Consult trusted HVAC professionals to ensure your system is well-protected and maintained. Contact Columbus Energies for All Your HVAC Needs Columbus Energies is a premier heating and cooling service provider in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region. Our professionally certified technicians are highly skilled in various HVAC services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Rely on our expertise for accurate and efficient servicing of your system. As a highly sought-after service provider in the region, we are always prepared to meet your HVAC needs. We pride ourselves on offering the area's most affordable heating and cooling solutions. Columbus Energies is synonymous with quality service and cost-effectiveness. lightening storm and hvac surge protection$