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A homeowner’s worst nightmare is running out of heating oil between deliveries, which means your furnace cannot run, leaving you without heat and hot water. If you suspect you’ve run out of oil, follow these steps:
- Check your oil tank for oil and rule out furnace repair issues (noise, odors, corrosion).
- Order oil online, confirm the delivery date, and set up monthly service.
- Buy 5 to 10 gallons of diesel fuel at a gas station to hold you over until your delivery arrives.
Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive HVAC services for homes in counties like Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, and Hamilton. See our online promotions and specials and knowledge center to learn more.
Make Sure Your Oil Tank Is Empty
If your heat shuts off and you don’t know how much oil you have, inspect the tank and gauge and troubleshoot repair issues.
To check the gauge, remove the oil tank’s plastic cover and look for the float-style gauge over the one-eighth marker line. That means you have oil. If it’s lower or if you press or lift the disk gently and it sinks to the bottom, you need oil.
Investing in a smart oil gauge lets you conveniently track oil usage in an app and alerts you and your oil provider if levels are low.
Signs you need furnace repair, a replacement, or maintenance:
- The pilot light will not stay lit. Clean it, firmly press the pilot light button, and confirm the gas valve is open.
- The burner flame will not light if it’s set too low or is malfunctioning and needs service.
- The filter is clogged and needs replacing, air is in the feed lines, or the furnace cycles on/off, which might be the blower or motor, or parts that need lubricating.
- The furnace is over 10 years old, heating bills are increasing, it makes noise, or the burner flame is orange or yellow instead of blue.
Order More Oil
Scheduling regular oil deliveries will help ensure you never run out of oil for your furnace, especially with Ohio’s unpredictable winter weather. Contact your oil supplier and request an oil delivery. Consider setting up a service contract to avoid running out of oil.
Your oil carrier can make routine deliveries even when you are not home, as the fill pipe they need to access is outside your home.
Use Diesel Fuel
While waiting for fuel delivery, you can use diesel fuel as an emergency alternative to keep your home comfortable.
Diesel is a comparable fuel source. It has a refined texture and does not include the dyes found in standard oil. However, diesel is only recommended for short-term use as it produces excess soot, can strain your heating system, and is more expensive than standard oil.
How to use diesel fuel instead of heating oil:
- Buy diesel fuel from your local gas station and place it in a yellow 5- to 10-gallon tank.
- At home, shut off your furnace. Do not remove the oil tank’s cap in your basement.
- Go outside and remove the hex cap on the fill pipe, carefully pour in the diesel fuel, and screw the cap back on.
Restart Your Furnace
After adding diesel fuel, you’ll need to restart your oil furnace. Switch on the red on/off button on the fuel burner. If your furnace will not power on, let us know, as your furnace’s lines might need bleeding.
Choose Rick’s Heating & Cooling for Furnace Maintenance
Trust the experts to keep your furnace functioning properly and extend its lifespan.
Since 1986, Rick’s Heating & Cooling has provided top-rated HVAC services for Ohio homeowners. Backed by a BBB rating and positive reviews, rely on us for prompt service and free estimates on replacement quotes. With transparent prices and a convenient maintenance plan, keep your rooms comfortable regardless of the forecast.
Experts you can trust. Find an HVAC technician in Cincy or Morrow today by contacting Rick’s Heating & Cooling.
