Frequently Asked Questions
I need help reading my delivery ticket.
I need help with my heating system.*
I need help with my cooling system.*
* Stafford Oil cannot be held liable for any adjustments you make to your heating or electrical systems. If you are unsure about the steps listed above, or have any other questions, please call our office.
Do you have any questions about the range of products and services that we offer?
Click on the links above for the answers. if you don’t see the question you are looking for, contact us. One of our representatives iswaiting to answer your questions.
HEATING
Q: What should I do if my heating system doesn’t work?
Q: How does a furnace work?
Q: How does a boiler differ from a furnace?
Q: What is a cracked heat exchanger?
Q: On mild winter days my furnace runs in short blasts and my home alternates from being too hot to being too cold. How can I fix this?
Q: I hear a lot of talk about high-efficiency heating systems. How do you determine a heating system’s efficiency?
Q: Is there anything you can do about the smell of heating oil?
Q: At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
Q: Should I install a programmable thermostat?
WATER HEATERS
Q: What is an indirect-fired water heater?
Q: Why do oil-fired water heaters save money and prevent running out of hot water?
Q: What can I do to maintain my water heater?
REPLACE OR REPAIR
Q: How do I know if it is more cost-efficient to repair my old heating system or replace it?
AIR CONDITIONING
Q: What does SEER stand for?
Q: Is it OK to “mix and match” air conditioning components of different efficiencies? Just because my outside condensor unit is on its way out, does it mean I have to replace my indoor unit as well?
Q: My home has a forced-air furnace but no air conditioning. Can I add central air?
Q: My home does NOT have forced-air heating and there is no ductwork. Can I still get central air conditioning?
Q: What is PuronTM, and why should I be concerned about choosing this coolant for my air conditioning system?
Q: Why does it cost so much to run an air conditioning system?
Q: Do I really need a tune-up for my air conditioning system?
SERVICE
Q: Do you provide 24-hour service?
Q: How long do customers have to wait for emergency service?
Q: Do you use your own installation specialists or do you hire subcontractors?
Q: How long does it take to get an estimate on a new heating system?
Q: Approximately how long does it take you to complete an installation of a heating system?
Q: Is annual maintenance necessary?
Q: How do I know what size heating or air conditioning system to install?
Q: I’ve been buying my oil from someone who sells cheap oil in the area but who doesn’t do equipment service. If I lose my heat, can you help me?
TANKS
Q: What are the different options for aboveground tanks?
Q: How long do aboveground tanks last?
Q: Are underground tanks subject to federal regulations?
Q: Can I replace my old underground storage tank with a new one?
Q: Where should I put my new aboveground tank?
HEATING
Q: What should I do if my heating system doesn’t work? If at this point you still don’t get heat, call Stafford Oil immediately. When a service technician arrives, let him know everything you did to the system before he begins working on it. You should also let him know if anything out of the ordinary happened, like an unusual noise, a strange smell or smoke. In many cases, this will help the technician find the problem—and get your heat back on again—faster. Q: How does a furnace work? Q: How does a boiler differ from a furnace? Q: What is a cracked heat exchanger? Q: On mild winter days my furnace runs in short blasts and my home alternates from being too hot to being too cold. How can I fix this? There will be fewer on/off cycles, smaller temperature swings, consistent even heat and lower fuel bills. Q: I hear a lot of talk about high-efficiency heating systems. How do you determine a heating system’s efficiency?
Q: Is there anything you can do about the smell of heating oil? Q: At what temperature should I set my thermostat? Q: Should I install a programmable thermostat? |
WATER HEATERS
Q: What is an indirect-fired water heater? Q: Why do oil-fired water heaters save money and prevent running out of hot water? Q: What can I do to maintain my water heater?
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Air Conditioning
Q: What does SEER stand for? Q: Is it OK to “mix and match” air conditioning components of different efficiencies? Just because my outside condensor unit is on its way out, does it mean I have to replace my indoor unit as well? At Stafford Oil we have the expertise to help you choose the right efficiency system for your home. For a no-obligation evaluation, click here. Q: My home has a forced-air furnace but no air conditioning. Can I add central air? Q: My home does NOT have forced-air heating and there is no ductwork. Can I still get central air conditioning? Q: What is PuronTM, and why should I be concerned about choosing this coolant for my air conditioning system? Q: Why does it cost so much to run an air conditioning system? Q: Do I really need a tune-up for my air conditioning system? |
SERVICE
Q: Do you provide 24-hour service? Q: How long do customers have to wait for emergency service? Q: Do you use your own installation specialists or do you hire subcontractors? Q: How long does it take to get an estimate on a new heating system? Q: Approximately how long does it take you to complete an installation of a heating system? Q: Is annual maintenance necessary? Annual tune-ups keep your system working at peak efficiency and give our technicians a chance to catch minor problems and signs of wear before they turn into major trouble down the road. An annual tune-up also protects your family by helping prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring your chimney is drafting properly. In addition, regular maintenance can extend the life of your equipment. Q: How do I know what size heating or air conditioning system to install? Q: I’ve been buying my oil from someone who sells cheap oil in the area but who doesn’t do equipment service. If I lose my heat, can you help me? |
TANKS
Q: What are the different options for aboveground tanks? Q: How long do aboveground tanks last?
Q: Are underground tanks subject to federal regulations? Q: Can I replace my old underground storage tank with a new one? Q: Where should I put my new aboveground tank? |