When it comes to home heating, most people know that gas boilers should be serviced annually to stay safe and efficient. Yet many homeowners with oil boilers mistakenly believe their systems can run for years without attention. The matter of fact is that oil boiler servicing is just as important as gas servicing, and in some cases even more so. By having regular checks carried out you’ll feel confident in knowing that your boiler is running efficiently, has an extended lifespan, and is protecting your home from costly breakdowns.
You can rely on Kerry Maintenance to deliver a wide range of services with our OFTEC-registered engineers who have decades of experience keeping oil boilers in top condition. Giving you peace of mind in enjoying reliable warmth through the winter and hot water all year round.
What Oil Boiler Servicing Involves
If you think that an oil boiler service is just a quick once-over, think again. We ensure that a thorough inspection and tune-up are carried out to keep your heating system running safely and efficiently.
With Kerry Maintenance, our oil boiler services include:
- Cleaning the burner unit out to remove soot and deposits to improve combustion.
- Check and replace any nozzles that are worn or clogged, as they can waste fuel and reduce the amount of heat produced.
- Inspect the flue system to remove any gases to prevent harmful leaks.
- Replace flexible lines when required to prevent any potential leaks or blockages.
- Examine the oil tank and filters by checking for water, sludge or contamination in the heating oil supply.
- Carrying out safety checks for leaks and emissions to prevent risks such as oil leaks, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
These essential steps in ensuring your boiler is thoroughly inspected and cleaned as part of your regular servicing guarantee that you get the most efficient burn from your fuel, which not only helps the boiler to last longer, but also saves you money too.
Oil vs Gas Boiler Servicing
Similarities
Did you know that both oil and gas boilers must be serviced annually? Just like gas, oil systems need professional care and attention so that they can maintain efficiency, safety, and still be valid for your warranty. By having regular servicing, you’ll experience a boiler that is running smoothly and most importantly, keeps your family safe.
Differences
Now that we understand that oil boilers need a service, it’s key to look at some of the unique risks the system might pose.
- Unlike gas, oil must be stored on-site, meaning that there may be storage risks. That’s why regular checks of the tank and pipework are a must for any leaks or damage.
- Impurities in heating oil can collect over time and build up as sludge, which can clog filters, nozzles and even the heat exchanger, which can lead to reduced efficiency.
- If an oil spill did happen from a neglected tank or pipe, this could result in an environmental hazard that could lead to serious contamination and costly cleanups which could cause an issue for your insurance.
Why Oil Boilers Need Extra Attention
Because oil boilers rely on stored fuel and have more components exposed to wear, oil boiler servicing is arguably even more critical than for gas. If it’s left unchecked, issues can escape quickly, resulting in reduced boiler efficiency, increased fuel bills, or even putting your property at risk during cold weather months.
Safety, Efficiency and Environmental Impact
By neglecting an annual service of your oil boiler, not only are you risking a breakdown, but you’re also risking the safety of those in your home, as well as environmental consequences.
- Safety: If you have worn parts or a blocked flue, this could increase the risk of fire or dangerous emissions. Although oil doesn’t explode like gas, leaks can still lead to fire or contamination. Crucially, you’re also increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with the poor combustion.
- Efficiency: A poorly maintained boiler consumes more heating oil, which wastes money and delivers less warmth for the same amount of fuel. Regular servicing ensures that your boiler is running efficiently by keeping it clean and well-adjusted to get the most amount of heat for every drop of oil.
- Environmental impact: If your tank isn’t looked after properly or you have a corroded pipe, this can cause damage to more than just your house, but the environment too. Oil spills and leaks can damage soil, water and local wildlife.
Booking an annual service with Kerry Maintenance helps you to reduce emissions, cut waste and protect both your home and the planet.
Warranty, Legal and Insurance Considerations
As with gas boilers, oil systems also typically require regular servicing to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid. Each service comes with documentation, but if you can’t prove that your boiler has been serviced annually by a professional, you could face expensive repair bills that could have been covered. OFTEC compliance is also key, as having your boiler maintained by an OFTEC-registered engineer confidently shows that your system meets UK safety and environmental standards. Many insurers also request proof of servicing as part of the claim.
Cost Benefits
We all know that there are different priorities when it comes to spending money on your home, with some homeowners delaying a service to save money. But really, it’s a false economy as an annual service prevents any costly breakdowns and emergency callouts, and it extends the life of your boiler so that you won’t have to replace it so quickly. One of the other benefits is that it keeps bills down by maintaining efficiency and making sure that your boiler uses less oil to generate the same warmth. In reality, annual oil boiler services pay for themselves.
Kerry Maintenance’s Oil Boiler Service
Serving hundreds of customers across Stroud and the wider Gloucestershire area, Kerry Maintenance believes in transparency, value and expert care. That’s why our dedicated oil boiler servicing is offered at just £100 + VAT, plus parts. Here is what you can expect from our engineers:
- Full cleaning and inspection of burner, nozzles, filters and flue.
- Safety checks are carried out for leaks and emissions to comply with regulations.
- Replacement of flexible oil lines where necessary.
- Advice on fuel storage, sludge prevention, and long-term care.
- A reminder system so you’ll never miss your next annual service.
Our engineers are not only OFTEC registered, but also bring over 50 years of combined experience. That means whether your boiler is brand new or decades old, you’ll benefit from unrivalled local expertise and a reliable, professional service.
What Homeowners Should Do
To keep your oil boiler in peak condition, follow these simple steps:
- Book annual servicing as prevention is cheaper than a cure.
- Watch for warning signs such as smoke, soot, unusual smells, or higher fuel use, as it may indicate a problem.
- Maintain your oil tank by keeping the area around it safe and accessible, and check for signs of leaks or corrosion.
FAQs
Is it necessary to service an oil boiler every year?
The short answer is yes. As you can see, an annual service ensures your system stays safe, efficient, and warranty-compliant. Skipping it can lead to higher bills, breakdowns, and even voided insurance.
How long does a service take?
When our qualified engineers come to your home, the service typically takes around 2 hours . A thorough service includes cleaning, checks, and adjustments to keep the boiler running efficiently.
Can I service it myself?
Sadly not. Oil boilers should only be serviced by OFTEC-registered professionals. Attempting a DIY service risks damage, safety hazards, and also invalidates your warranty.
Will it reduce my heating bills?
Yes it will. That’s because regular servicing maintains boiler efficiency, helping you get more heat from less fuel. Over time, this significantly saves money on your heating oil bills.
Despite being less dangerous than gas boilers, which pose explosion risks, oil boilers need to be cared for due to their reliance on stored heating oil, which could lead to sludge and leaks and will require your attention. By having an annual oil boiler servicing, you’re protecting both your home and wallet as well as the wider environment. It’s also key to keeping your home warm during the cold months with a system that is reliable.
Our OFTEC-registered engineers at Kerry Maintenance have serviced hundreds of oil boilers and bring decades of expertise. We are a first choice for many customers thanks to our transparent pricing and commitment to keeping your boiler running efficiently throughout the year. Book your annual service today before larger issues arise, and enjoy complete peace of mind from your trusted local heating specialists.
