1. Oil Boiler Not Starting
If your oil boiler is not starting, the first thing you need to do is make sure that there is enough heating oil in your tank. There are chances that you might have run out of heating oil without realizing it. This usually happens in the winter season when the boiler is used extensively. If the boiler is out of oil then it is suggested that you contact your oil supplier ASAP and arrange for delivery. If your tank stays empty for a long period then it can result in issues in your boiler. Make sure to activate the automatic shut-off of your boiler to protect your device.
After the oil has been added, you need to follow the manufacturer’s reset instructions and proceed accordingly. In most cases, you just need to press a square red button on the side of the burner. However, the process might be different for other boiler manufacturers.
If the boiler does not start even when the tank is full, then check and make sure that the fuse is not blown. If it has, then replace the original one with a fuse of the same rating. If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps in your manual with no luck then you should give a call to a trusted engineer.
A good way to combat an empty oil tank is to get your Oftec registered heating engineer to install an ultrasonic watchman device that can monitor your oil tank levels.
2. Oil Boiler is Starting But Not Heating
A blocked burner nozzle might be the reason behind your oil boiler starting but not heating. The nozzle has a very small gap, which can easily be blocked with dirt or deposit, which is a result of time or bad quality oil. A boiler nozzle should typically be changed once a year and should be integrated into an oil boiler service, if it isn’t then I would consider getting somebody else who is Oftec registered heating engineer to service your boiler.
To make sure that residue in your tank does not harm your boiler; ensure that your boiler is always filled up. This will ensure that no residue is collected in the base. You should also make it a practice to frequently test for water in your tank, particularly if you have an older tank. If nothing works, call your trusted engineer.
3. There is no Adequate Heat
If it appears that your boiler is running suitably but there is not enough heat, then you need to check if the thermostats are set correctly. If they are set properly a dirty air filter might be the reason behind the problem. There is a possibility that lint might have collected in the air filter, which might have blocked or partially blocked it.
It could be that your fan is either faulty or not working as it should. If it appears that the filter and fan are in good condition, then check to make sure you have good air getting to the boiler Go through your oil boiler manual to check if there are any other tasks
you can complete before having to contact an oil boiler service technician and as per the instructions.
The majority of the oil boiler issues can be fully avoided with a yearly boiler service.
4. The Boiler is Producing Smoke and/or Soot
A blocked outlet or inlet pipe or a broken heat exchanger might be the reason behind your smoky or sooty boiler. If you notice this kind of a problem then, first of all, examine the outlet flue exhaust, particularly where it joins with the chimney, and get rid of any dirt, fluff and debris, which might have blocked the exhaust. You should also make it a point to check the gaskets around the inspection door. In some cases, they might be twisted or cracked and this could be the reason behind the soot and smoke, which might be running off from the furnace. It is important to arrange to get the defective gaskets changed. If you cannot find the reason behind the smoke or soot, then it is better to call an engineer.
We are always on hand to help with your Oil Boiler Installations, Servicing and Repairs
Give us a call on 01274 317169 for more information and advice.
Find out more about how Bradford Boiler Company can help with your oil boiler here.
