Keeping heating costs down and the temperature up is the ideal scenario when it comes to heating your home. Skipping simple, regular oil boiler maintenance checks could lead to unexpected problems and expensive repairs in the long run, or even a boiler replacement. Routine maintenance can also help to make your oil boiler more efficient. So, the correct maintenance of your boiler can save you money in the long term and give you a peace of mind during the colder months.
Follow our useful oil boiler maintenance tips below to take better care of your boiler.
7 top tips for oil boiler care and maintenance
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.
Common oil boiler faults and causes
It can be tricky to get the right care for your boiler if you’re unsure of what is causing the problem. Use the chart below to identify which faults can cause common problems with your boiler and how to fix them.
How Certas Energy can help you to maintain your oil boiler
If you need an oil boiler service or have an emergency breakdown, Certas Energy Heating Services is here to give you a hand. We have a large network of OFTEC engineers across the UK. So, we can offer speedy, reliable and local service no matter where you are. Thanks to our boiler care packages, you can also keep costs down.
For more information on how we can help, speak to our specialists on 03457 620 620 today.
Discover some of our other helpful guides for home heating oil users:
Pingback: Boiler Service Guide: what to expect and how to prepare for your boiler service - Certas Energy
Pingback: Heating Oil Shropshire - Certas Energy
Pingback: Moving Home Checklist | Certas Energy