Change a Heating Oil Filter
Datetime:2014-04-10 Hits:
Changing the heating-oil filter for your home is just as important as changing the filters in your car. These devices filter out impurities in fuel oil, keeping your furnace burning efficiently and preventing buildup. The best time to change your heating-oil filter is in the fall, before cold weather hits. Replacing these types of filters isn't difficult and requires no special tools. The main thing to remember is that you shut off power to the heating system before you start.
Instructions
1
Turn off your thermostat. Shut off the power to the heater. This will prevent it from starting up accidentally in the middle of the filter change.
2
Look for the oil filter location on the outside of the oil tank. In the majority of installations, the filter housing will be attached to the outside of the tank. There will be a pipe leading from one side of the filter housing back to the tank with a shut-off valve in line.
3
Rotate the shut-off valve clockwise to turn off the fuel supply to the filter.
4
Place an oil pan or shallow tray underneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that might come out after the oil filter is disconnected.
5
Open the housing. This can also vary from installation. In some cases, the housing will be held together with a spring clamp. Unclamp the end to open the filter. In other cases, the housing might be screwed together. To open this type, place one hand on the lower part of the housing to keep it in place while unscrewing the bolt on the top of the housing. Separate the two halves after removing the bolt.
6
Remove the old filter. Replace it with a new one. Dip the gasket in any spilled fuel in the oil pan and rub it across the gasket surface. Reinstall the gasket. Secure the housing either by the spring clamp or screwing in the housing bolt.
7
Open the fuel shut-off valve. Restore power to the furnace and turn the thermostat so that the heater kicks on. Open the bleeder screw on the top of the filter with the screwdriver until you see fuel oil begin to drip out of the bleed hole. Close the screw.
8
Bleed the inside line, near the furnace, according to your manufacturer's specifications. Dispose of the used fuel oil in your pan properly.
