Posted: September 28, 2026

Troubleshoot Common Heating Issues Now

Have you given your furnace or boiler a test this fall?

We’re in the middle of another stunning Western Massachusetts fall. Mild afternoons and brilliant foliage make it tempting to wish this season could stick around all year — but as we all know, frigid temperatures aren’t far behind. That makes now the perfect time to give your oil-fired furnace or boiler a test run, so you can catch and fix any issues before winter really sets in.

Below are some common heating problems you might run into, along with simple ways to troubleshoot them yourself.

Furnace or Boiler Won’t Turn On

A home heating system that won’t start is often an easy fix. Try these steps first:

1. Check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set at least five degrees above the current room temperature. A blank screen on a battery-powered thermostat usually just means it’s time for new batteries.
2. Confirm the power supply. Verify your system’s power switch is in the ON position, and check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse that might be cutting power to the unit.
3. Look at your fuel level. Check your oil tank gauge to rule out an empty tank. If your tank reads below 1/8, reach out to FSi Oil Services right away to arrange a delivery.
4. Try a burner reset. As a last resort, press and hold your furnace’s reset button for about three seconds. Only attempt this once — if it doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a technician.

Weak Airflow from Your Furnace

If your furnace seems to be running but the airflow feels weak, check your air filter first. A dirty or clogged filter can seriously limit performance, so replace or clean it if it looks clogged. While you’re at it, walk through your home and make sure no vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or houseplants.

A Burning Smell When the Heat Kicks On

Noticing a burning odor the first time you fire up your furnace this fall? There’s usually no need for concern. Heating systems collect dust over months of sitting idle, and that dust often burns off once the burners reignite. This smell typically clears up within about 10 minutes.

Radiators That Won’t Heat Up

This one’s common in boiler-heated homes. If a radiator isn’t warming up, first make sure its knob is turned fully open. Radiators only have two settings: open and closed.

If heat feels uneven throughout your home, trapped air inside the radiator could be to blame. Bleeding the radiator usually solves this in a matter of minutes. Find the bleed valve at the top of the radiator, open it to release the trapped air, and close it again once water begins to flow out steadily.

Still Having Trouble? FSi Oil Services Is Here to Help

Homeowners in Holyoke and nearby communities count on FSi Oil Services when troubleshooting alone doesn’t cut it. Our in-house, highly trained technicians are ready to diagnose and resolve whatever heating issue you’re facing, with top-rated service you can count on.

There’s still time to schedule a heating system tune-up before winter arrives in full force. Contact FSi today to request service and head into the cold months with confidence.