Frequently Asked Questions about Albina Home Heating Oils

Home Heating Oil Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I stick some lighted paper or a match in the furnace if it doesn’t light?

A. No. Putting a foreign object into the fire box can be hazardous to your furnace and to your home by causing a house fire. Please call us for assistance and information.

Q. How many times can I push the restart button?

A. Once or twice only! Pushing the restart button repeatedly will cause your fire box to flood and heating oil, unlike gasoline, does not evaporate, thus making a lot of noise once it is started. Although rare, flooding the fire box could be a fire hazard.

Q. How can I tell if I’m out of oil?

A. If your furnace stops working that is a good indication that you may be out of fuel.

Basement tanks hold 275 gallons of fuel and have a handy gauge to let you know how much fuel you have. However, on underground storage tanks the only way to tell how much fuel you have is to measure your tank with a measuring stick.

If you do not have one, Albina Fuel will be happy to provide you with one. We can also assist you in how to measure and read your fuel stick.

Q. Do I need to be home to get oil delivered?

A. No. With an open account we can deliver fuel anytime without anyone being home, however, we try to be as kind as possible to our drivers, so please let us know about those precious pets in the back yard.

If you do not have an open account with Albina Fuel we take a number of credit cards or can make arrangements to leave a check. If you think you are out of oil, please let us know so we can help start your burner.

Q. Where is the pilot light?

A. Unlike gas, oil furnaces have a electronic ignition system and do not require an open flame.

Q. What is the average amount of oil a house will burn?

A. Fuel usage depends on home and furnace efficiency. For your free home energy audit call SHOW @ 503-659-3204 in Portland or 1-800-452-8660 statewide. You will have your attic, windows, insulation, floors and furnace all inspected by a professional to determine your fuel efficiency needs.

Q. Should I have an oil smell?

A. No, a fuel odor is an indication that something is wrong and should be checked by a service technician.