|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
01-16-2022, 09:33 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Changing furnace filter
I have an oil furnace. There's a slight smoky smell in the house. I checked downstairs for leaks around the flue and don't see any. The furnace also seems to be cycling on and off too often. So I conclude that the most likely cause of both problems is a dirty filter. When was the last time I had the furnace cleaned? I don't dare answer that.
It can take quite a while to get an appointment for a cleaning. In the meantime, can I change the filter myself? Anything I need to know about doing this? Does Home Depot sell filters? Or can I vacuum the filter? I read online that you're supposed to change the filter every 3 months. That seems excessive to me, but I conclude that every 3 years is bad. Very bad. I have a carbon monoxide detector (recently replaced). I will call the oil company tomorrow if they're open. |
01-16-2022, 09:44 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
|
01-16-2022, 10:02 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
I'm unaware of any filter for a forced hot water system, but the machinery should be serviced annually for best efficiency, new jets, etc. In the mean time, if it is cold out, it will cycle more frequently and any deficiencies will show up more obviously. Your oil delivery company should have a tech on duty 24/7. The sooner you call, the sooner you will move up the list.
|
01-16-2022, 10:06 PM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-16-2022, 10:03 PM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
Sponsored Links |
|
01-16-2022, 10:03 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,052
Thanks: 63
Thanked 715 Times in 466 Posts
|
Smell? Get the furnace human to do a tune up.
Cycling a lot? See above AND it's been very cold out. Also... Make sure nothing is open to the outside such as an unlocked double hung window with an upper sash that has dropped a bit. If you have a whole house fan that is open to the attic it must be covered from above. Are any cellar windows opened a crack? Filter? Make note of the direction the air travels. You'll want to install the new one the right way. The filter has its size in inches on its edge. For example it might be 20"x20"x1". Filters come in varying capability. The hardware store, big box or small, will have guidance on that so you may pick your level of paranoia. |
01-16-2022, 10:06 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,052
Thanks: 63
Thanked 715 Times in 466 Posts
|
My post above refers to a forced hot air system.
If that is not what you have then never mind. A filter on a system with radiators might apply to the one that protects the oil burner from impurities in the oil. That one is best left to the furnace technician. |
01-16-2022, 10:11 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Wow, you're amazing! I did have exactly such a window! I discovered it yesterday. I couldn't get the top sash to stay up so I had to stuff insulation in the crack. I think you're saying that an open window will draw fumes up from the basement?
|
01-16-2022, 10:21 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,052
Thanks: 63
Thanked 715 Times in 466 Posts
|
The open window will make the house cold and thus run the furnace more.
I suspect your oil burner needs a cleaning to make the smell go away. |
01-16-2022, 10:22 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
BTW Carbon monoxide is the poisonous gas that you have detectors for. That would be CO.
CO2 is carbon dioxide, like they use in fire extinguishers and dairy bar whip cream dispensers. |
01-16-2022, 10:25 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
01-16-2022, 11:13 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
Your flue needs to be cleaned... badly.
|
01-16-2022, 11:41 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
Oil burners need to be serviced yearly by a pro. If you have any appliance that burns anything, you should have a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the house.
|
01-17-2022, 01:39 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
You just need to have the furnace serviced.
There is a filter. It’s called an oil filter and your least likely problem. You really need to service oil burners every year. Two at most, depending on how many gallons you run. You are not smelling CO. It’s odorless. Your burner is not firing up properly and you smell soot because it’s igniting late. It causes a big burp when it does that and you get that soot / diesel oil smell in the house. Service guy will typically put a new nozzle, change the oil filter, check/clean or replace electrodes, and clean the flue. It all has to get done. As long as it’s firing up your fine. Especially if it just started but get it serviced ASAP. Now you’ll be competing with people that have no heat because you procrastinated. Don’t F’k with oil burners. They HAVE to be serviced. I used to do mine myself Purred like a kitten. |
The Following User Says Thank You to mswlogo For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (01-17-2022) |
01-17-2022, 07:24 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thornton's Ferry
Posts: 1,297
Thanks: 67
Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts
|
The filter that gets changed often is to clean the air that gets blown back into the house. Yours may be so clogged that the burner is running to the time limit without putting enough warm air into your house. You do need to change that to reduce dust in the ducts and house. It is a simple procedure in most furnaces.
If your system has not been serviced in a while you should definitely schedule that ASAP. At best, a dirty burner is less efficient. More seriously is the chance your flue is clogged (as suggested above.) This will eventually lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, both of which are dangerous. When you come inside and feel your lungs become irritated you are probably feeling the CO2 buildup. You will not feel the CO but that is more dangerous because it displaces and blocks oxygen abortion on your red blood cells. Don't wait. Call today for service. Also, people who burn fuel in their homes should have at least on carbon monoxide alarm. Good luck! |
The Following User Says Thank You to Kamper For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (01-17-2022) |
01-17-2022, 08:52 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Thank you very much for all these helpful responses. I had the carbon monoxide checked last night and fortunately it was 0%. I was able to schedule a cleaning for tomorrow. I do have one carbon monoxide detector upstairs and a smoke detector upstairs and downstairs, both recently replaced.
Last edited by SailinAway; 01-17-2022 at 10:11 AM. |
01-17-2022, 11:42 AM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 741
Thanks: 4
Thanked 257 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
Air leaks, especially in the upper level of the house, are worse in bitter cold weather, due to "stack effect." Air at zero F is about 15% more dense than inside air at 70 F. That's a relatively huge difference. The taller the column of warm interior air "immersed" (in a sense) in cold outside air, the greater the pressure difference. Its much like diving down into the lake, where the pressure increases steadily due to the weight of the water above any point. Think, too, about the need to have sufficient chimney height above a wood stove to get adequate draft. Most homes could benefit from a thorough air sealing effort. Typical leakage places are up high, through wiring holes in top plates of the upper story (caulk those with orange can foam), can lights in upper story ceilings (replace those with low profile LED fixtures, sealed to the ceiling), and under the sill at the top of the foundation and where there are any openings to the outside for electrical or plumbing. Also, a chimney often can have a huge open space around it up in the attic.\ There is a wealth of information online. A quick search on "air sealing existing home" turns up many. Here is but one: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com...g-homes-part-1 Reducing the leakiness of a house makes a huge difference not just in heating cost but also in comfort. Air leakage, at its worst in bitter cold and windy weather, flushes out interior humidity produced by human occupancy. Excessive leakage results in exceedingly dry air, so uncomfortable that many resort to active humidification. Needing that almost always is a dead giveaway that the house is far too leaky. Humidification is not the answer; the first step should be tightening up the house. Deliberately adding humidity to a house runs the risk of condensation on cold exterior sheathing and roof decks, with associated mold and rot. |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to DickR For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (01-18-2022) |
01-18-2022, 12:51 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-17-2022, 10:31 AM | #19 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,412
Thanks: 216
Thanked 782 Times in 464 Posts
|
Quote:
Every few months is recommended, more if you have pets. We have 4 dogs, so I have to change monthly. |
|
01-17-2022, 11:28 AM | #20 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
If you had a clogged air filter it would over heat the heat exchanger and shutdown. Or if you have a modern system it would tell you (one that actually measures air flow rates). Or the blower would trip a breaker due to excessive load (if it doesn’t burn out first). It would not start stinking up the house with fumes. For hot air systems the air flow is completely isolated from combustion chamber. Now if the system is clean and it’s a hot air system and you get fumes. You might have a heat exchanger leak. That would be bad. That only happens with forced hot air too. Also have to watch out that you’re not pulling fumes into the house from the chimney. BTW I always ran a chimney cap. Moisture in your chimney does not function well. I always tend to see Oil is Forced Hot Water and Propane / Natural Gas is frequently Forced Hot Air but sometimes forced Hot Water too, but not as often. I don’t think I’ve even seen oil fired Forced Hot Air but I always assumed they existed. The “filter” Sailaway it probably recalling from his last service is probably the oil filter. If that clogs up. You are shut down. You really have to go a long time before those clog up. The most common issue on oil burners is a bad nozzle (they get worn and gum up) and dirty/worn electrodes causes it a to have a long time to ignite. You’ll hear the blower run and a long delay before it ignites. Then the smell. You need a perfect spray pattern and clean perfectly spaced electrodes for it to ignite instantly. Clogged flu is way less common. Nozzle and electrodes is almost always first. If it’s a bad installation with sat long horizontal exhaust pipes then clogged flu is more plausible. Partial blocked flu will cut efficiency. If it takes to long to ignite the burner safety will eventually trip. If it’s been running like this I would not hit the reset button on the burner. It usually means there is lots of oil in the chamber if it trips. Unless you are in risk of freezing to death If you do, prepare for a boom if it ignites The time between it getting slow to ignite and smelly and tripping burner safety is usually VERY long. Typically months. It’s crying for help though. Most oil companies will come out with in 24 hrs if you have no heat in this weather. It’s a very common first sign of needing service. It also tends to start during a cold spell. After it gets serviced. Listen to it carefully start. Know your system. Hear the blower start and the roar of the flame. When you hear the flame roar like 5 seconds after the blower, it’s not running optimal. It should be nearly instant. BTW I’ve seen “Professionals” totally botch a service job. I trust none with my families safety. Not electricians, plumbers or auto mechanics. I do hire them when absolutely required. But I watch them like a hawk when I do. It’s not their house and family, it’s yours. Most are very willing to educate you. And I never hesitate to ask questions. Hmmm, those mini splits are looking more attractive aren’t they. |
|
01-17-2022, 11:38 AM | #21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,412
Thanks: 216
Thanked 782 Times in 464 Posts
|
Yes they are! Getting ready to move and am thinking of doing the whole house in them. There are 2 pellet stoves and 2 fireplaces as well, but mini splits and some provision to offset a portion with solar is my thought.
|
01-17-2022, 12:04 PM | #22 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to SailinAway For This Useful Post: | ||
mswlogo (01-17-2022) |
01-17-2022, 12:06 PM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
20x20 should be a forced hot air furnace. I haven't seen one on a boiler before.
|
01-17-2022, 07:33 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
|
01-18-2022, 12:37 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
And the answer is . . .
I got the furnace cleaned and serviced today. The cause of the smoke smell was that the flue pipe was a bit corroded. The technician wrapped silver tape around it and said it will last until spring.
Regarding what I was calling a "screen," y'all were right. There was no screen. It was just the clean-out panel on the side of the boiler. The technician's theory about the short cycling was cold oil or a downdraft during that really cold weather creating a firing delay. The flue is not blocked; draft measured good today. Last edited by SailinAway; 01-18-2022 at 07:42 PM. |
01-18-2022, 01:58 PM | #26 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
Quote:
Glad you got it fixed. You need to get an oil fired appliance serviced every year or it will let you down eventually. Servicing includes changing the oil nozzle and cleaning the system. Oil filters if needed. |
|
01-18-2022, 07:10 PM | #27 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Yeah, I know. I was raised calling it a furnace regardless of the type of heat. Even in this thread people refer to it as a furnace. At some point someone usually corrects the terminology.
|
01-18-2022, 07:40 PM | #28 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
Because only Steam heat "Boils" the water I believe that's where the original term "Boiler" comes from. |
|
01-18-2022, 09:34 PM | #29 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
Quote:
When we moved to radiant baseboard with an active system rather than the radiators with the gravity system... they just kept the term boiler. |
|
01-18-2022, 08:04 PM | #30 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Carbon monoxide
I owe you guys some more serious thanks for this thread. A couple of posters mentioned carbon monoxide early on and that made me understand the seriousness of my situation. Without that, I probably would have waited a few days to take action. My parents taught us kids about carbon monoxide poisoning when we were very young. Remember Family Safety magazine in the 1950s and 50s? My parents used to make us read that every month and then gave us a written test on it. Carbon monoxide was a popular topic.
On Sunday night while I was reading your responses to my questions, I googled "carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms" and came across the story below at the Quota website. As soon as I read it I called the fire department at 10:30 at night for a carbon monoxide test and then called the oil company for service. Unwarranted panic or smart? I decided I'd rather be alive and look foolish. This chilling story from the Quora website is long but a good cautionary tale about carbon monoxide: Quote:
|
|
01-18-2022, 09:02 PM | #31 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-18-2022, 09:19 PM | #32 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
01-19-2022, 09:20 AM | #33 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
Not really a big deal, it just makes it harder to help when the terms get mixed. It's tough to remember to service them, I have two oil fired boilers in two homes. The company in Mass. sends me a card with a date on it every year. The lake house company doesn't, but they are good at getting it done when I call. I was late this year, got it done in late November. I usually try to get it done in August, they aren't busy then.
|
01-19-2022, 02:41 PM | #34 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Back to square one
After two service calls, the smoky odor persists. What has been done so far:
The second technician confirmed that the odor is coming from the furnace/boiler/heating appliance. Parting words: "This should be much, much better." Has anything been missed here? |
01-19-2022, 05:21 PM | #35 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-19-2022, 06:35 PM | #36 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
Go watch it light off, make sure it's well lit, look for puffs of smoke when it lights. Also, hopefully they looked up the chimney for birds, nests, broken liner.
|
01-19-2022, 06:52 PM | #37 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
I can't really do anything myself with the furnace. I have zero knowledge of these things. The second guy said he put his hand in the chimney and saw light on his hand, thus it's not blocked. I asked if he used a mirror; he said no.
|
01-20-2022, 07:32 AM | #38 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
Quote:
Occasionally getting a whiff of smoke happens and usually isn't an issue. You have functioning smoke and co detectors so I wouldn't be too concerned. If you had a big problem those would be going off. Also, fuel oil is pretty pungent. It takes only a little for it to smell. Put kitty litter or sand on any drips you see from the maintenance. Obviously make sure you don't have any leaks. |
|
01-20-2022, 08:23 AM | #39 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-20-2022, 01:32 AM | #40 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
Also make sure exhaust is not getting sucked back into house. How quick do you smell it? Is it near the boiler right after it fires up or does it take a while to smell it through out the house? The oil burner draws in air. Quite a bit. It basically gets it through all the leaks in the house. If you have a leak near the top of chimney it can pull that exhaust back in. Try opening a window closest to boiler, shouldn’t need much, just a few inches. Does that stop the smell? Also, like I said. A wet chimney is not good. It’s harder to get a draft going if it’s cold and wet. That can cause a poor start. Might get a chimney guy out to inspect the chimney. Good idea to do once in while any way. |
|
01-20-2022, 08:19 AM | #41 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
I don't smell if right away. This morning it took about 30 to 45 minutes before I smelled it. First the odor comes to the top of the cellar stairs. Then it starts to flow throughout the downstairs. Just now I stuffed towels under the door from the cellarway. All of the windows in the cellar where the furnace is are sealed shut with foam.
|
01-19-2022, 06:49 PM | #42 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-18-2022, 02:03 PM | #43 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
Glad
Glad it all worked out without major problems. Always great to have feedback after these discussions and hear about the solutions.
|
01-19-2022, 03:59 PM | #44 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
But, once that oil smell gets into stuff it is so difficult to remove. Try lightning a candle or two. It’s a old oil painting trick
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
01-19-2022, 06:46 PM | #45 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
The odor is in the air. I went away when I opened a window and a door to the outside. It returned when the furnace came on again.
|
01-20-2022, 09:20 AM | #46 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
And you should be. I have a oil burner with forced hot water and never smell smoke or odor from it. Our understanding is you have had two different service companies in or is it two individuals from the same company?
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
01-20-2022, 11:18 AM | #47 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
Never one to spend someone else’s money, however, in this case I would call a different company. Tell theyou are looking for a solution to the problem you are experiencing and this is what has happened to date. Show them the service records from the first two technicians. Personally, I use Foley Oil and have been happy with them. Keep in touch
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
01-21-2022, 10:01 AM | #48 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
I know you said it is only 15 years old. Today’s boilers that’s a lifetime. We must also take into account its lack of yearly scheduled maintenance. Which will shorten its life. As I have said before, I hate to spend other’s money, but in this case I must.
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
01-21-2022, 10:20 AM | #49 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Chimney that old is probably not lined.
Even if it was, I bet it’s a mess, based on your history of “maintenance” If you have CO detectors (I’d make sure you have a few) you can probably let it go until spring. You can have an inner liner put in. You should probably do that regardless. Not sure what was inspected where one person cut something away from the flame and yet didn’t see inside the boiler. You should replace the rotted pipes, tape might not be sealing good. They should have taken the top off boiler and brushed out the heat exchanger. This is the longest part of the job. Messy too. And critical. It’s common for bolts to rust up. They usually turn. If they snap, they can deal with it. Sounds like you need a better service company. When you said they tapped up the rotted holes on the flue pipe that was a red flag to me. For the record my 1996 house needed work on the liner !! |
01-21-2022, 01:24 PM | #50 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,075
Thanks: 17
Thanked 335 Times in 201 Posts
|
|
01-21-2022, 01:29 PM | #51 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,075
Thanks: 17
Thanked 335 Times in 201 Posts
|
Post a picture of unit.
If unable to post a picture. Post the name and model number of boiler/furnace. |
01-21-2022, 01:39 PM | #52 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mswlogo View Post If you have CO detectors (I’d make sure you have a few) Actually I've said a few times that I have a CO detector, up to date, and the fire department verified that the level of CO in the basement and the house is 0%. |
The Following User Says Thank You to SailinAway For This Useful Post: | ||
upthesaukee (01-21-2022) |
01-21-2022, 02:24 PM | #53 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Here are some photos. I have more if there's something specific you want to see. The service card is from the first technician. The second one didn't leave a service card.
|
01-21-2022, 03:49 PM | #54 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
That's not a combustion test! The only way for sure you know one was done is with a printout from the combustion analyzer. They shouldn't have had any issue opening that up. The HB Smith is cleaned from the side panel. Make sure the side plates are lined up properly. Lift up that side panel, turn the heat up all the way to fire the boiler, go down stairs in front of where the panel was, shut off the lights, and see if you can see any flame or light. It doesn't say what nozzle , filter , strainer, he used or anything he did. Did he actually brush the boiler pins, remove the smoke pipe, vacuum the breech and smoke pipe and inspect the chimney to make sure it wasn't blocked? there's no proof he did any of those things except what he told you.
|
01-21-2022, 04:23 PM | #55 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
|
01-21-2022, 07:07 PM | #56 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,896
Thanks: 469
Thanked 682 Times in 380 Posts
|
That's a good boiler. Time to try another technician.
|
01-23-2022, 04:20 PM | #57 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,075
Thanks: 17
Thanked 335 Times in 201 Posts
|
Good advice.
Over many decades, have had real good technicians do service/repairs wilst a few were absolutely useless. Another way to check source. Keep off for a long enough time to let all odors leave house. Then turn on or up thermostat to on. Start in basement and attempt to find where the odor is coming from. If not in basement. Do procedure again. Go to next floor and attempt to find where odor is coming from. Maybe find a friend, neighbor, relative to help "sniffing". On another note the Smith company no longer makes residential boilers. LINK There used to be some independent serivice people not affiliated with any oil/fuel company. Don't know of any right now. . |
01-23-2022, 04:48 PM | #58 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
Independent service companies
Right. Al Terry and Heritage do a lot on TV. I've never used either of them. Angie's list probably has some local names, plumbers and HVAC folks who are not oil dealers.
|
01-23-2022, 05:50 PM | #59 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-24-2022, 08:44 AM | #60 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 305
Thanks: 254
Thanked 181 Times in 86 Posts
|
Independent Service Professional
Quote:
Jorge Sanchez JLemosheating and AC jorgesanchez15@msn.com (603) 943-4535 |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Charlie T For This Useful Post: | ||
granitebox (01-24-2022) |
01-24-2022, 11:36 AM | #61 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,075
Thanks: 17
Thanked 335 Times in 201 Posts
|
Quote:
The metal exhaust vent going from boiler to chimney appears to have metal tape on it. Could be as simple as replacing that metal vent pipe. |
|
01-24-2022, 03:46 PM | #62 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
Haven't we covered that? Wouldn't exhaust gases set off the C O detector? Would the reading from the Fire Dept. still be 0%?
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post: | ||
DotRat (01-24-2022) |
01-24-2022, 09:46 PM | #63 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
Now it may come out the holes if things are NOT running correctly. The holes he had before the tape, didn't appear overnight, but his smell problem did, that should be a hint. If the smell is coming from the furnace I suspect it's not firing up correctly. |
|
01-25-2022, 12:54 PM | #64 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-25-2022, 07:42 PM | #65 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to John Mercier For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (03-30-2022) |
01-25-2022, 10:54 PM | #66 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
I have two service calls on my bill now: annual cleaning plus 2nd visit when the smoke odor continued. Doesn't it seem like I should call back the same company and get them to fix the problem, instead of calling another company? And get the flue pipe replaced right away? I emailed the service manager a few days ago; no reply. I'll call again tomorrow.
|
01-30-2022, 07:07 AM | #67 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 45
Thanks: 142
Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts
|
Quote:
He seems to know his stuff too |
|
01-31-2022, 06:14 PM | #68 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
Bills
I've received the bills for the two service calls, totaling $440. Here's what was done, according to the bills:
First call:
|
02-01-2022, 05:30 AM | #69 |
Senior Member
|
That exhaust is made with different steel stove pipe sections that fit together like a Lego and it usually will have some small leaks at the joints that can be tightened up using small sheet metal screws and/or high heat duct tape.
To check it for leaks around the seams, use a little dishwashing soap and water in a spritzer bottle and spray it on the vent pipe exhaust. Any soap bubbles forming and growing indicate a leak when the oil pump/electrode/nozzle/fan blower powers up the boiler. Each stove pipe joint should go good with three small sheet metal screws and high heat duct tape to seal it up.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 02-01-2022 at 06:40 AM. |
02-01-2022, 07:36 AM | #70 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
Soap bubbles??? The chimney should have a negative draft not positive draft! If you don't you have a problem. |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to swnoel For This Useful Post: | ||
root1 (02-14-2022) |
02-01-2022, 08:55 AM | #71 | |
Senior Member
|
Quote:
Hit it with more hi-heat duct tape and clean the outside so's the tape will stick, good.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to fatlazyless For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (02-01-2022) |
02-01-2022, 05:51 PM | #72 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 81
Thanks: 72
Thanked 23 Times in 15 Posts
|
Boiler issues
Our previous (first house) had an oil fired steam boiler. The previous owner had a service contract with Company A. The first morning in the house we had no heat, called the company and they came out. They had already serviced the boiler that year before the start of the season. I don’t know how many times we had to call them that winter due to problems with the boiler. We might have kept them a second year, but it was a long time ago. I just don’t remember. We changed to Company B for service and oil. They would come at the beginning of the season, clean and service everything. When we moved out 14 years later, we still had the same boiler and never had to call for it having a problem. Oh, and it also provided the domestic hot water for the house, so it ran year round.
The difference was in the service company. |
02-01-2022, 05:59 PM | #73 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
Just curious how long you were in the HVAC field? What blower fan are you talking about and what obstruction? I did this for years and am willing to learn from someone apparently with more expertise that I. |
|
02-03-2022, 07:41 AM | #74 |
Senior Member
|
The blower fan is an integral part of the gun that includes the motor, electrode, nozzle, oil pump, and fan.
The obstruction is that 90-degree vent pipe attached to the back of the boiler which force exhaust against the vent seam on the side. Vent pipe sections do not always make a tight fit and need three small sheet metal screws and hi-heat duct tape to seal it up. ...... I graduated from Fast Eddy's 12-Week School of Oil Burner Technology where the emphasis was all about doing it FAST ...... and ABLE to convince the customer that you know what the heck you are doing down in their basement with thaht olde oil burner because you got it done, FAST, and talked all about the fuel oil combustion/filthy dirty OIL soot build-up/electrode/nozzle/oil pump/fan blower, all synchronized together in perfect combustion harmony as you was hitting the oil burner with a FAST tune-up. .... Steve Lavimoniere the oil burner man: North Dartmouth, Massachusetts; Sept 17, 2020 ..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T1s9JSHol4 ..... Smell ... ... of fumes coming from oil burner/water heat boiler So, why do people go with natural gas by pipe or liquid propane in the tank when it costs more and has less btu's than residential fuel oil? Because it burns cleaner and usually needs way less service calls including no yearly boiler/furnace clean-out/tune-up.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 02-05-2022 at 08:19 AM. |
02-03-2022, 06:26 PM | #75 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
On a boiler?
If I am next to my boiler, I can hear the draft down the flue... but I don't think that it is forced. |
01-22-2022, 01:52 AM | #76 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
But yeah, they usually always state what nozzle they put in. It’s very odd technician said bolts were to rusted to remove. They typically don’t remove that large plate, just the burner. Dead River is good and fairly good size. I’d ask for someone more serious. How long was it not serviced for? Maybe it was so plugged up that a standard cleaning isn’t getting it all out. |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to mswlogo For This Useful Post: | ||
DotRat (01-22-2022) |
01-22-2022, 08:12 AM | #77 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-22-2022, 08:35 PM | #78 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
I've had 3 oil burners over 40 years and 5-ish oil companies and have never seen an analyzer printout. In fact, I don't believe any of them had the equipment to printout anything on site. I'm not saying it's not a good thing to get, but I think you might have been a rare bird. |
|
01-24-2022, 08:05 AM | #79 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 529
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
01-24-2022, 09:08 PM | #80 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 660
Thanks: 196
Thanked 222 Times in 143 Posts
|
Quote:
Rhymes just bought Fred Fuller. |
|
01-24-2022, 09:29 PM | #81 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,189
Thanks: 1,275
Thanked 1,568 Times in 1,018 Posts
|
Quote:
https://manchesterinklink.com/fred-f...es-bankruptcy/ Not really related to this thread, is it, since Fuller has been out of business for many years? |
|
01-25-2022, 09:14 AM | #82 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Alton Bay
Posts: 5,578
Blog Entries: 2
Thanks: 2,427
Thanked 1,938 Times in 1,072 Posts
|
Fred Fuller
Quote:
We have used Eastern technicians since the changeover and have been satisfied with their service. Dave
__________________
I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!! |
|
01-25-2022, 01:16 PM | #83 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
I've had furnace cleanings from AD&G, Dead River, Kidder, and a small local company. I never saw or heard of these printouts.
|
The Following User Says Thank You to SailinAway For This Useful Post: | ||
upthesaukee (01-25-2022) |
01-25-2022, 02:09 PM | #84 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Alton Bay
Posts: 5,578
Blog Entries: 2
Thanks: 2,427
Thanked 1,938 Times in 1,072 Posts
|
Not until recently
Quote:
Dave
__________________
I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!! |
|
02-13-2022, 04:58 PM | #85 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,970
Thanks: 203
Thanked 621 Times in 416 Posts
|
Had a crack in my boiler about 10!years ago. Didn’t flood, just felt like a bath house minis the grape leaf’s
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
02-16-2022, 06:23 PM | #86 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Laconia, Lake Opechee
Posts: 184
Thanks: 286
Thanked 90 Times in 48 Posts
|
Can we close this thread? Enough!
|
02-16-2022, 07:39 PM | #87 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,186
Thanks: 2
Thanked 565 Times in 463 Posts
|
We have yet to hear the what the solution to the issue is.
|
The Following User Says Thank You to John Mercier For This Useful Post: | ||
SailinAway (02-16-2022) |
02-16-2022, 08:44 PM | #88 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to SailinAway For This Useful Post: | ||
mswlogo (02-17-2022), Newbiesaukee (02-17-2022) |
03-30-2022, 02:54 PM | #89 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 991
Thanks: 256
Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts
|
So, the oil company canceled the second bill and wanted to replace the smoke pipe for $300, which I think they should have done in the first place. I sort of lost my faith in that company and I think I'll look for someone else to do the work.
|
The Following User Says Thank You to SailinAway For This Useful Post: | ||
Descant (03-30-2022) |
Bookmarks |
|
|