My oil furnace and water heater makes a clicking noice...?
when the water heater is trying to go on. It sounds like the furnace is trying to "light" but can't do it? Sometimes it just keeps clicking for 10 - 20 minutes, and then the furnace finally starts. What is it, how serious is it, and what service should I expect from my repairman via my oil company? I want to get it fixed, but I also want to be educated about the repair, so I'm no taken advantage of. Thanks!
the first thing you should expect to see is a licensed technician, someone who understands and can troubleshoot low voltage. if everything was fine until just recently and the equipment was working properly, what i have found is that it is something simple (for the technician) to troubleshoot. however simple does not necessarily go hand in hand with an inexpensive bill when the job is complete. most places charge a flat rate...the days of breaking down an invoice for pricing is over. you will be told up front what the charge will be after the diagnostics are complete. if you have service plan with your oil company the cost of the job may be covered and not cost you at all. if you find that the cost to make the repair is pricey you must understand that you are paying for a technician that has invested about $20,000.00 in education and tools. the trucks they drive are supply houses on wheels (not inexpensive to operate today). i know you said your equipment is oil fired but i do not know the manufacturer's name, and it wouldn't do any good as you can not diagnose a heating problem properly on the internet. you have to put your faith in someone...check with your consumer protection department and many times they list a history of complaints form other customers. i wish you luck my friend...
