When your heating system stops working on a cold winter day in Lancaster, PA, it can be incredibly stressful. Before you pick up the phone to call for an emergency technician, there are several troubleshooting steps you can safely perform yourself.
These quick checks can often restore your heat immediately—or at the very least, help you provide the right details when you do call for service. At Reitz Oil Company, we’ve been helping Lancaster County homeowners stay warm and safe for generations. Below is our homeowner-friendly checklist specifically geared toward oil-fired heating equipment.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
This may sound obvious, but it is one of the most common causes of “no heat” calls.
- Mode: Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT, not COOL.
- Temperature: Set the temperature at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature to trigger the system.
- Power: Replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
- Reset: If you recently lost power, some digital thermostats may need a manual reset to resume their heating schedule.
2. Check Your Heating Oil Supply
In Lancaster County, running out of heating oil happens more often than people realize—especially during January cold snaps.
- Gauge Check: Look at your oil tank gauge. As a general rule, anything below 1/8 tank can cause the system to shut down or pull in sludge from the bottom of the tank.
- The “Air” Issue: If your tank is empty or very low, the system may have pulled air into the fuel lines. In this case, your system will likely require a professional “bleed and restart” even after a fresh delivery is made.
3. Check the Emergency Shutoff Switch
Oil heating systems feature a safety shutoff switch, which is almost always identified by a red faceplate. These are often located:
- At the top of the basement stairs.
- Directly on or near the boiler/furnace.
- On a nearby wall or ceiling joist.
Make sure the switch is in the ON position. These switches are frequently flipped by accident during cleaning, while moving storage boxes, or even by children.
4. Check the Circuit Breaker or Fuse
If your heating system has no power at all (no lights, no humming, no response):
- Panel Check: Look for a tripped breaker labeled “furnace,” “boiler,” or “burner.”
- The One-Time Reset: Reset the breaker once only. If it trips a second time, leave it off and call for service immediately, as this indicates a serious electrical fault that requires a professional.
The “One Press” Rule (Burner Reset Button)
Most oil burners have a red reset button. If the burner has shut down, you may press this button ONE TIME ONLY.
Warning: Pressing the reset button repeatedly can flood the combustion chamber with unburned oil. This creates a “puff-back” risk—which can send soot throughout your home or cause a dangerous flare-up when the unit finally ignites. If the burner doesn’t start after one reset, stop and call for service.
5. Inspect the Air Filter (Warm Air Systems)
If you have an oil-fired furnace (where heat comes through floor or wall vents):
- Airflow: A heavily clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause the system to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution.
- Vents: Ensure that supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or heavy curtains.
6. Listen and Look for Obvious Signs
Take a moment to observe the unit. These details are extremely helpful for your technician to know over the phone:
- Do you hear the motor humming but it never actually “fires”?
- Is there an unusual vibration or a loud banging noise?
- Do you smell strong oil odors or see smoke?
- Is there water leaking around the base of the unit?
When to Call for Heating Service in Lancaster, PA
If you’ve gone through this checklist and your home is still cold, it’s time to call the professionals. Common issues that require a certified technician include:
- Ignition or flame failure.
- Air trapped in the fuel lines.
- Faulty safety controls or sensors.
- Fuel pump or nozzle clogs.
Call Reitz Oil Company for Reliable Local Service
Reitz Oil Company proudly provides heating oil delivery and expert oil heat service throughout Lancaster County. Our technicians understand the specific needs of local homes and respond quickly to restore your comfort.
Contact Us Online or Call for fast, dependable heating support today. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a no-heat emergency!