Home Oil Burner Question

[Waxman]

I've got an HB Smith Boiler at my house. A few years old. A flue-claening company called last night offering a $139 special. I asked for references and left 1 message at 1 number they gave.

How often do you guys/gals get your flue cleaned on an oil fired furnace and what do you pay?

Thanks!

 

[pitzerwm]

I doubt if a couple years are needed. Oil doesn't leave the creosote that wood does, I think that is the risk.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I had an HB Smith oil burner in a previous house, nice unit.
Annual maintenance needed was to replace the nozzle and filter - and of course adjust the flame if needed (which was rare). Chimney cleaning was not a significant issue for me ... UNLESS your filter slows down the oil flow OR your nozzle becomes worn, because then you will generate a lot of creosote which will plug up your flue. You dont want to get to that point!
Dont know about price, since I did it myself for 20 years. Very easy, took me about 30-45 minutes including going up on the roof to run a brush down the chimney.
I think there might have been a small filter built into the back of the nozzle too - its been a while, I dont recall exactly.

 

[Waxman]

Thanks! I was thinking I'd offer him $100. I clean my Dad's 2 wood stove chimneys. It's not hard. My roof's alot steeper and I'd rather hire it out at my house.