Oil Boiler Maintenance: Our Top Tips

There are several simple actions you can take to maintain a well-functioning heating system, reduce the cost of running and repairing your boiler, and prevent unexpected breakdowns. These actions include: 

1. Get your boiler serviced annually

Make sure you get a professional service for your oil boiler every year to improve its lifespan and efficiency. Boiler services must be carried out by an OFTEC registered engineer who can complete a full inspection and identify any potential issues. The engineer visit can give you an idea of what condition your boiler is in and prevent any small problems from becoming bigger ones.

Learn more about oil boiler servicing or call 03457 620 620 to book your annual service with our friendly local engineers.

2. Check your boiler pressure

To ensure there’s an even distribution of hot water throughout your home, it’s important to check the pressure of your oil boiler. Check the pressure gauge against the manufacturer’s boiler manual to ensure that it is working correctly. If the pressure bar is too high or low, it could lead to further damage and heating issues.

3. Bleed your radiators annually

If your room isn’t warming up as usual, your radiators might need bleeding. Air can become trapped in radiators over time, leading to cold patches and a poor heat flow. When you ‘bleed’ a radiator, you release this trapped air and enable them to run at their optimum level.

4. Ensure ventilation around your boiler

Ventilation is key to ensuring your oil boiler is in good working order. If your boiler is in a cupboard, you should keep a gap of at least 700mm between the boiler and any obstructions. It is important that your boiler has space to ‘breathe’, so try to make sure that any coats, towels, or other items in your boiler cupboard aren’t too close to the boiler.

5. Check for any drips from the external pipe

Any drips or leaks coming from the external pipe, also known as the overflow pipe, are a sure sign that your boiler is not operating as intended. In this instance, call our trusted local engineers as you may need an expert to step in and fix the issue for you.

6. Lag your pipes

As the temperature starts to plummet, lagging your pipes can help keep them insulated. ‘Lagging’ simply means wrapping your pipes in insulation, such as foam tubes, to prevent them from freezing over in the winter months. Whilst lagging your pipes might sound like a basic technique, it can help to prevent major issues in the long term.

7. Check the boiler flame is blue

Your oil boiler should burn with a blue flame. A flame that is orange or yellow could indicate that there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home and you should contact an engineer immediately.

We highly recommend that you install a carbon monoxide alarm. The alarm will alert you if it detects a leak, enabling you to fix the problem quickly before it causes any harm.