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DIY Maintenance

Though repair and installation of comfort systems should always be left to a Dominick Fuel professional, there are several do-it-yourself projects you can tackle around the home.

How to Test Your Heating System

Before each heating season starts, we recommend that you test your heating unit now to make sure it cranks up when the really cold weather arrives. Just follow these three simple steps:

1. TURN UP: Make sure the emergency switch is in the "on" position and turn up the thermostat at least 10 degrees higher than the actual room temperature.
   
2. TUNE IN: Next, listen carefully. Within a few minutes you should hear your Oilheat equipment hum into action.
   
3. SWITCH ON: If the equipment doesn't start up, press the reset button on your oil burner's relay. You need only press it once.
   

If your system still doesn't start, consider these points before calling us for what might be an unnecessary service call:

• Are the emergency switches off? (There may be two: one at the stairs and one at the boiler.)
  
• Did the fuse or circuit breaker for your equipment trip?
  
• Is the thermostat set properly?
  

If your boiler or furnace still won't start, or if it emits an odor or strange sound, don't hesitate to call us.

How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Adjusting your thermostat can result in what could be significant savings off your fuel bill - which means money in your wallet. Take a look at our interactive thermostat to see how much you could save!

What to Do if the Heat Shuts Off

If, at some point during this heating season, your heat shuts off, don't panic! Before calling Dominick Fuel for what might be an unnecessary "no heat" call, ask yourself these three simple questions:

1. Are the emergency switches off? (There may be two: one at the stairs and one at the boiler, and they're usually red in color.)
   
2. Did the fuse or circuit breaker for the equipment trip?
   
3. Is the thermostat set properly?
   

If the boiler or furnace still won't start, or if things just don't seem correct, a call to Dominick Fuel is in order. Rest assured, if you do encounter a heating problem, we will not leave you out in the cold! You can always count on our emergency service when you need it the most!

How to Check for Air Leaks in Your Home

You don't need to be an experienced "do-it-yourselfer" to improve your home's weather sealing. With a little time and the help of a partner, you can easily detect leaks that let outdoor air infiltrate the home. Some of the most common trouble spots are areas where pipes and wires enter the building; gaps around chimneys; unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets; and any point where different siding materials intersect.

The best time to identify leaks is on a day when there is a significant variation between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Begin by eliminating as much air movement as possible by turning off your heating or cooling system (using the thermostat), shutting all doors and windows, and turning on any fans that blow air outside. Then light an incense stick and pass it in front of all suspected leak areas. Wherever the smoke gets sucked or blown, there is a leak. Mark all the leaky spots, then go back to them and try to find the leak.

You can confirm the leak at night by turning off the lights and shining a flashlight across the leaking area from the inside while someone stands outside and looks for cracks where the light is detectable.

Though this is a "do it yourself" section of our website, we feel the best way to identify leaks is to contact us for a professional whole house energy audit. As a BPI (Building Performance Institute) Accredited Contractor, Dominick Fuel will conduct this audit in your home for a nominal fee, and identify short- and long-term solutions to put an end to air leaks as well as other energy efficiency, health and safety issues. Click here to learn more about this valuable service.

How to Check for Signs of a Possible Aboveground Tank Release

If your basement or aboveground tank can be inspected or is visible, Dominick Fuel can check your tank during your annual tune-up. You can also visually inspect the tank yourself. Watch for these signs: rust, weeping, or wet spots on the tank's surface ... signs of leakage around the filter, valves, gauge or piping ... or an oil scent in the basement.