5 Things to Do Before Heating Season Starts

Nothing ruins a cold January morning like a furnace that won't start. Most heating emergencies are preventable with a little preparation before the season hits. Here are five things every heating oil homeowner should do before temperatures drop.

1. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

An annual tune-up by a licensed technician is the single most impactful thing you can do. During a tune-up, the tech will clean the burner nozzle, check the heat exchanger, test the ignition system, replace the oil filter, and adjust the air-to-fuel ratio for optimal combustion.

A well-tuned furnace burns 5–10% less fuel than one that hasn't been serviced. On 800 gallons at $3.50/gallon, that's $140–$280 in savings — more than the cost of the tune-up itself.

2. Check Your Oil Tank

If your tank is above ground, look for rust, wet spots, or staining on the bottom and around fittings. These are early signs of potential leaks. If your tank is more than 20 years old, consider having it inspected by a professional.

For buried tanks, keep an eye on your fuel gauge. If you're losing oil faster than expected without running the furnace, you could have an underground leak — which is both an environmental and financial problem.

Also check your fuel gauge. Make sure it moves freely and reads accurately. A stuck gauge can leave you thinking you have half a tank when you're nearly empty.

3. Replace the Air Filter

If your system has a forced-air component with ductwork, replace the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, makes the blower work harder, and reduces heat distribution throughout your home.

Filters cost $5–$20 and take two minutes to swap. It's the easiest efficiency gain you'll find. During heating season, check the filter monthly and replace it if it looks dirty.

4. Bleed the Lines (If Needed)

If your system ran out of oil at any point — or if it's been idle for a long time — air may have gotten into the fuel lines. Air in the lines prevents oil from reaching the burner, which means your furnace won't fire even with a full tank.

Bleeding the lines is a simple process (open the bleed valve on the fuel pump, let oil flow until air bubbles stop, close the valve), but if you're not comfortable doing it, any HVAC tech can handle it in minutes.

5. Fill Your Tank Early

Don't wait until the first cold snap to order oil. Prices are typically lowest in late summer and early fall, and dealers have plenty of delivery capacity. Once November hits, demand spikes, prices rise, and delivery windows stretch out.

Filling up in September or October can save you $0.20–$0.50 per gallon compared to a panic order in January. On a 275-gallon tank, that's $55–$137 in savings just from timing.

Read more: When is the best time to buy heating oil? →

Bonus: Know Your Emergency Plan

Even with perfect preparation, things can go wrong. Know the number of at least one 24-hour emergency heating service in your area. Know where your emergency shutoff switch is (usually at the top of the basement stairs, labeled in red). And keep at least a quarter tank of oil at all times during winter — running completely dry can introduce air into the lines and may require a service call to restart the system.