Sylvie Willis
Changing the fuel oil filter is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes and will save you money by improving the efficiency of your heating system. It is recommended to change the filter at least once or twice a year, depending on usage and whether a sludge cleaner is being used. Before starting, ensure you have the right tools and safety equipment, including a wrench, gloves, and a bucket or pan to catch any oil drips. Turn off the power and oil supply to your heating system, then carefully remove the old filter, clean the filter canister, and install the new filter, ensuring all components are securely connected. Finally, bleed air from the filter, turn the oil supply back on, and check for leaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of changing fuel oil filter | Once or twice a year |
| When to change the filter | Right before the start of the winter heating season and halfway through |
| How to know when the filter needs replacement | Diminished heating performance, sluggish starts, dark-coloured smoke |
| Steps to change the filter | Turn off the power, put down a pan or bucket, turn the oil shut-off valve, take out the canister base, take out or clean the spent cartridge, wipe out the filter canister, clean the pump strainer, put in the new cartridge, put the canister back together, replace the mounting bolt, reopen the oil supply valve, turn the power back on, run the oil burner, inspect for leaks, dispose of the spent filter and oil |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the electricity and oil supply
Before you begin changing the fuel oil filter, it is important to turn off the electricity and oil supply to your HVAC unit as a safety precaution. This will reduce the risk of electric shock and prevent oil spills.
To start, locate the shut-off valve on your oil supply line, typically found above the filter, and turn it off. Even after turning off the oil supply, there may still be oil remaining in the line and filter, so be sure to place a catch pan or bucket beneath the filter to avoid spills and contamination in your home.
Next, you will need to detach the filter base from the unit. Depending on your model, this may involve loosening the bolt holding the filter in place or simply unscrewing the base from the supply line. Once the filter base is removed, you can proceed to dispose of the old filter or clean it if you plan to reuse it.
It is crucial to follow these steps in sequence to ensure a safe and effective fuel oil filter change.
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Remove the filter base
To remove the filter base, you will need to detach it from the unit. Depending on the type of filter, this can be done by either loosening the bolt that holds the base in place or simply unscrewing the base from the supply line.
If your filter has a central bolt, loosen it until it comes off, then carefully lift out the base. If your filter lacks a central bolt, you can unscrew the canister base from the top. Be careful not to let the base fall and spill as you loosen the necessary parts.
Once the base is removed, you can take out the old filter for disposal or cleaning. If you are disposing of the old filter, be sure to enclose it in a plastic bag to prevent leakage. If you are cleaning the filter, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
It is important to note that oil can irritate the skin and stain clothes, so be sure to wear gloves and protective gear during this process. Additionally, support the canister with your hand as you disassemble and reassemble it to avoid twisting, cracking, and leaking.
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Clean the filter canister
To clean the filter canister, you will need to remove the filter base. This can be done by either loosening the bolt that holds it in place or by unscrewing the base from the supply line. Once the base is removed, you can lift out the canister.
The canister may contain a buildup of oil and sludge, which can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush or a cloth. If it is extremely dirty, you can soak it in kerosene for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a soft brush. Ensure that you clean both the canister base and the top. Follow this same process if your heating system has a permanent filter.
After cleaning, inspect the canister for any damage. Look for signs of water seepage, often indicated by a red sludge. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the canister.
Before putting the canister back together, wipe it down with a cloth to remove any remaining dirt, debris, or oil. This will ensure that your heating system remains clean and functional.
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Add the new filter
Now that you have removed the old filter and cleaned the canister, it's time to install the new filter.
The new filter will usually be a cartridge that fits into the canister base. Place the cartridge into the base, and screw the base directly into the top piece, or use a bolt to tighten it into place.
Make sure that the O-ring that seals the connection between the top and base is secure. If your cartridge package came with new gaskets, swap these in for the existing ones. If there was no O-ring included, check the quality of this part before screwing it back in. If the old seal looks cracked, brittle, or damaged in any way, purchase a new one and install it before screwing the filter back on.
Now that the new filter is in place, you can close the canister. Slide the canister base under the canister lid and into the correct position, keeping the filter cartridge steady and centred as you do so. Once the two pieces of the canister are back together, replace the bolt at the top of the canister. Tighten it securely, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can strip the threads. If the canister does not have a bolt, make sure the base is screwed in tightly.
With the new filter installed, you can now reopen the oil supply valve. Turn on the oil flow using the same valve you used to turn it off earlier. This step is necessary to bleed air from the canister and the filter.
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Bleed air from the filter and turn the oil supply back on
Bleeding air from the filter and turning the oil supply back on is one of the final steps in changing a fuel oil filter.
To do this, you must first loosen the bleeder screw found on the top of the filter housing. Then, turn on the oil supply valve so that oil begins to flow to the filter. You should hear a faint hissing sound as the oil pushes air out of the filter housing. Once the oil runs out of the bleed area without any air bubbles or gaps, tighten the bleeder screw and wipe the surrounding area with a cloth.
Now, you can turn the electricity back on to your unit. Allow your oil burner to run for a while so you can ensure it is functioning correctly. Check that it starts and stops appropriately—failure to do so indicates that too little oil is getting through the filter.
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