Advice needed: Oil filter needed for oil furnace?

[mm]

I'm about to get a final price for a new oil furnace.

Need I make sure that they will install an oil filter in the line from the in-the-basement oil tank? For the last 31 years, since the house was new, there hasn't been one, and that doesn't seem to have caused any problems. They always leave the old oil nozzle behind and it's never dirty on the surface, plus I never had to get service because the nozzle was clogged. (they have their own built in filters)

But I know, at least I think, some people have oil filters.

Is there any other special or needed request I should make (so that I don't find out later I needed something but it wasn't included) for the oil furnace or the Air Conditioning.

Something they might want extra money for it after they casually cause me to think of it during the install? (Do you want the rodent-protected air-intake?, for example.)

No one bolts the compressor unit to the cement pad, right?** I don't need a new cement pad do I if the current one isn't cracked?

**The unit has gradually moved a couple inches off the pad, but in another 31 years, I'll probably be dead.

[Ed Pawlowski]

"mm" wrote

I've always had a filter and it is changed as a part of the normal service on the burner. I'd think you have the potential need for it after 31 years of accumulated sludge and whatever now than in the past.

When I got my new boiler, they also abandoned the old oil line that went under the floor and went overhead. The air intake is rodent proof from the factory.

If they are looking for extra money at the install, they are either careless, sleazy, or both. As pros, they are supposed to think of all that stuff up front.

[Jim Elbrecht]

I sure would-- I have two on mine because my oil tank is under the eaves. The first one catches a bunch of water, which makes some goop, which the other one catches. They sure are cheap insurance against all the crap that *can* go wrong.

I only service the burner every other year-- but the filters get changed yearly.

If you're not up to doing it yourself, [it isn't that bad a job] I'd at least get a price on installing an whole house humidifier. I'm on my 3rd year with one and kick myself for not putting it in 25 years ago. More comfort, less fuss-- and cheaper in the long run.

Jim [mine's an Aprilaire- after seeing almost everyone rave about them-- I agree]

[clare]

I replaced mine 3 times on the first furnace (the humidifier) and decided not to waste my money when I installed the new furnace. House is pretty tight, and if it gets too dry I take a shower, wash the dishes, or make a pot of tea.

[Stormin Mormon]

I would. They aren't gosh awful expensive. at least, not when compared to oil gun overhauls, and the couple days living in a cold house while the parts are back ordered.

Got to keep up with the Joneses, get a filter.

[mm]