l. I don't have any heat, what could be wrong?

• Check your fuel gauge. Do you have fuel? When was your last delivery?
  
  
• Do you have electricity? Even though you have an oil, kerosene (or gas) fired burner, you still need electricity to make the blower run. Is the neighborhood without power? Did the breaker switch trip?
  
  
• Check to make sure your emergency switch is in the "on" position.
  
  
• Still no heat - Call a licensed technician to check it.
  Under no circumstance should you press the reset button more than one time unless directed to do so by a licenced technician.
  

2. How often should I have my boiler/furnace cleaned?

• Boilers and furnaces should be cleaned annually preferably during the late spring / and summer months. However, if you consistently run out of fuel, you may need to have it cleaned more often.
  

3. I have black smoke coming out of my chimney, what does that mean?

• You definitely need a cleaning - Shut the unit down by flipping the emergency switch then call a licensed Technician. The oil going to the unit is not being burned off properly and you are wasting oil. Your unit needs immediate service.
  

4. Why do I see water around the boiler in the summer time?

• If you have a "cold start" boiler in the summer time it does not run often and cools off. When this happens the gaskets shrink allowing a small leak when the boiler heats back up . Everything should expand and reseal automatically.

5. How often do I clean my air ducts?

• In most homes (including mobile homes), every three years is quite sufficient. Be sure to use quality air filters in your heating and air conditioning units and have scheduled maintenance performed..
  
  Note: 401 Burner does not clean air ducts but can recommend someone who does. Please call 823-6733 for a referral

6. Why do I smell oil/kerosene when my furnace runs?

• Most assuredly the unit needs a cleaning and an adjustment for better efficiency.
  

7. What should I do to winterize my heating system?

• If you have a furnace, just shut the emergency switch to the off position and shut the breaker switch off. The furnace should be on a separate breaker. Check this to make sure you are not cutting off power to something that you want power going to all winter.
  
  
• If you have a boiler and have piping that will be exposed to the elements, we suggest replacing the water in your system with glycol to prevent freezing. Then shut the system down in the same way as for the furnace described above.
  

8. What does an efficiency test show?

• An efficiency test will show how well your unit is running. The higher the percentage we see on our meter, the better the efficiency is. After determining the percentage of efficiency, the Technician may adjust (tweak) the unit for even better performance. This test should be done after a cleaning and particularly after a new furnace/boiler installation to ensure your unit is running safely.
  

9. How do I know I'm getting a real cleaning by my service person?

• Your Technician should bring in a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the chamber. A 1/8 inch of soot in your unit acts as though you have a 2X4 wall of insulation between the fire in the fire box and the heat exchanger. The result would be insufficient amount of heat and an increase of fuel usage.
  
  
• Your Technician should be taking the nozzle and other fuel related items apart to examine them and possibly replacing any worn parts.
  
  
• Ask questions about what your technician is doing. And never leave your Technician alone while he is cleaning -- your presence keeps your technician on the ball.

10. Why is one room cooler than the others?

• There are a few things that can do that. If you have a:

  Boiler

• The size of the element can affect the heat.
• The design of the boiler heating system.
  
• How the piping was done.
  
• A qualified Technician can determine the problem.
  

Furnace

• The size of the duct work may not be correct.
  
• The damper in the duct may not be set properly.
  
• The system needs to be balanced.
  
• Definitely needs a Technician on site to determine the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions about my Air Conditioner

1. Why is my unit running but not blowing cold air?

• This could be caused by one or more situations: One of which may be a bad condenser, or an open safety switch in the attic or the unit may be low on Freon.
  
  
• Upon inspection, your Technician can diagnose the problem and rectify it.
  

2. Do I need to have my air conditioner cleaned?

• Not normally. You do have to change the air filter at the beginning of the season and check it again midway through the season. Purchase the white pleated filter if its available in a store near you. And be sure it is the right size.
  
  
• Periodically you will need to have the drain cleaned out.
  
  
• The condenser coil may need to be cleaned by using a hose with a low-pressure spray. Do this after the pollen season is over. MAKE SURE THE UNIT IS OFF before you do this.
  
  
• The outside unit needs to be free of brush, leaves and flowers. There should be a minimum of 18" around the unit to ensure good airflow. Neglecting to clear these items away from the unit will decrease efficiency,
  

3. Why do I have to add Freon every year or two?

• Most likely there is a leak in the system allowing the Freon to dissipate into the air.
  
  
• A qualified Technician will be able to locate the leak using an ultraviolet dye test.
  

4. Why does my breaker trip when the air conditioner goes on?

• This could have several causes - there could be an electrical short in the wire connected to the unit, or
  
  
• It could be that the capacitor has failed, or
  
  
• A more serious situation is the compressor has failed. A qualified Technician needs to be on site to diagnose the problem and to repair it.
  

5. Can I add an air conditioner to my old furnace?

• In some cases, yes. But it is not recommended. Running the furnace year round would strain an older system. In addition, an older system does not have a multi speed blower and it would have to be retrofitted with one. It would be more efficient, and in most times less expensive to install a new furnace which is air condition ready.

6. Why are some rooms warmer than others?

• Is the room on the sunny side of the home? If so it will be harder to cool. Consider drawing the window treatments to cut down on the amount of sun coming in to the room.