Frequently Asked Questions, fuel oil, diesel or gasoline

My furnace is no longer working. What do I do?

Increase the thermostat higher than the temperature displayed (e.g. 30 °C)
Make sure the burner switch is in the “ON” position (usually the grey box next to the furnace).
Press the (red) relay button, only ONCE (listen to see if the burner motor is working).
Check your fuel oil level on the gauge to ensure you have enough (located on top of the tank in the middle).
P.S. No one can determine the level simply by knocking on the surface of the tank.

If you have fuel oil and it is not working, then please call our technical department at 514-334-1833.

Does fuel oil freeze?

Fuel oil #2 can freeze. This type of product is standard and used for indoor tanks. In outdoor applications, the product will react to temperature. As the temperature decreases, the product will tend to thicken, which causes a blockage, and we say everything is frozen.

For outdoor tanks with an opening smaller than 2 inches in diameter, it is recommended to use fuel oil #1, which is effective to -40 °C. Additionally, the product is more refined, thus facilitating combustion. Often used for oil stoves and fireplaces. To order fuel oil #1, you must specify it.

A comfortable, safe option

Oil-fired heating quickly provides a most comfortable heat intensity. Whether it be a forced-air appliance or a hot water system, the heat exchange produces more comfortable ambient air and better distribution throughout the heated room compared to electrical heaters, which providedrier, thus less comfortable air.

Even those with a heat pump will prefer the ambient air of an oil-fired furnace. People will often turn off the heat pump during periods of extreme cold in order to use the oil-fired furnace only.

New furnaces offer efficiency rates that increase savings, while being more environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, oil-fired heating systems are safe and won’t explode.

Oil-fired water heater – good idea?

Oil-fired water heaters have the capacity to heat up water in record time. These water heaters warm up twice as fast as natural gas-fired ones and five times as fast as electrical types. What’s more, the lower water reserves make their operating cost more favourable.

Is there a maintenance plan for heating appliances?

Yes. We call it the “protection plan.” This includes maintenance once a year, burner parts, labour and troubleshooting service in case of breakdown. Your payout is limited to an annual amount. The plan period is from May to April. As such, the entire heating season is covered. Beware, some competitors end their coverage period on December 31^st, forcing you to renew in the winter.

Is there an equal-instalment agreement?

Yes. We offer the budget plan. This consists of estimating annual consumption and dividing it up into 10 equal instalments. At the end of the season, there is an adjustment to reconcile the difference. Call us for more details.

Is my oil tank still good?

Tanks should be changed after 25 years. Since the early 1980s, the manufacturing date is written on a metal plate near the level indicator, or at the end of the tank on a white label. A lack of such date is an indication of advanced age. Thanks to the manufacturing date, we can be sure of the tank’s lifespan.
Slide your hand at the bottom of the tank. Afterwards, slide your thumb over your middle and index fingers. If you feel a greasy film and that it all has an oily smell, there is a sign of maturity. You must plan to replace it.
Look at the bottom of the tank, and if you see a darker-coloured demarcation near the bottom, that is another sign of the tank’s maturity.

Programmable thermostat

In choosing your electronic thermostat, avoid models offered with a battery. A weak battery can cause an intermittent problem in terms of heating demand. You must think about replacing it.

We suggest you keep a simple thermostat. The savings resulting from putting in a programmable thermostat remain to be seen and are up for debate.

The price at the pump has gone up. Should I wait before ordering?

Price variations displayed at gas stations and that of fuel oil make up two different markets. You must not compare price variations for these finished products.

Rest assured, fuel oil varies much less than gasoline. Fuel oil is a very competitive energy source.

Call us to discuss your questions about fuel oil price, energy cost, gauge, thermostat, tank, furnace or water heater replacement or appliance maintenance, or for any other inquiry.