Common oil boiler issues and how to fix them

One of the most widely utilised heating devices in houses is the oil boiler. Oil boilers are more dependable than ever before thanks to technological developments, giving customers good value. But even well-maintained oil boilers occasionally experience problems, just like any routinely used appliance.

We list some of the most typical oil boiler issues in this article along with fixes. You can address some of these problems on your own because they are straightforward, but others could be a little more challenging and require the assistance of a qualified engineer.

oil boiler issue and their solutions

Oil Boiler Problems and Solutions

Oil boiler is not starting

Checking the amount of heating oil in your tank should be your first step if your oil boiler won't start. Very frequently, especially during the winter when the boiler is frequently used, individuals run out of heating oil without even realising it.

What to do when oil boiler is not starting 

Insufficient oil is probably the reason your oil boiler won't start if your oil tank is empty or there isn't much oil at the bottom. In order to fill your tank as soon as possible, you must obtain heating oil from your regular oil supplier.

A number of problems with your boiler may arise if your tank is left empty for an extended period of time. In the event that your primary oil provider is not available, you might buy oil from a different business that provides top-up services. Homes all around England, including Wetherby, Malton, York and Harrogate.

There can also be debris at the bottom of the tank if your tank still has enough oil yet the error code on the display panel indicates a problem with the oil delivery. If so, once the present oil supply runs out, you will need to clean your oil tank.

Oil boiler is not firing for heating

The problem with the nozzle may be the reason your oil boiler starts but does not heat up. The nozzle has a little gap, which makes it simple for deposits or debris to become jammed. Your boiler runs more slowly than it should due to clogged nozzles, which can also cause your central heating system to malfunction.

How to make sure your boiler is firing up

A qualified oil heating engineer should normally replace your oil boiler nozzle once a year as part of your yearly boiler service. By having your boiler serviced, you can get an overview of its health and stop any minor issues from growing into larger ones.

Also, it's crucial that you keep your heating oil tank fully topped off in order to prevent your boiler from residue in the tank. Also, you should make it a habit to regularly check your tank for water, especially if it is an older tank.

Oil boiler produces soot or smoke

A clogged flue pipe or damaged heat exchanger may be to blame if smoke or soot is seen coming from your oil boiler.

How to fix soot and smoke from your oil boiler

The first thing you should do is inspect the output flue pipe as soon as you realise that your boiler is emitting smoke or soot. Remove any dirt, fluff, or debris that may have obstructed the exhaust in the area where it links with the chimney with special attention.

Also, it is important to inspect the gaskets surrounding the oil boiler's inspection door. Gaskets may occasionally be twisted or fractured, which could be the reason why soot and smoke are escaping from the boiler. Make arrangements to have your damaged seals replaced if this is the problem.

Oil boiler is not producing enough heat

Your oil boiler may have a clogged air filter if it's operating normally and the thermostats are properly set but isn't delivering enough heat. Lint or other debris frequently builds up on air filters, which can result in blocked air filters. Another possibility is that your fan belt is damaged and not functioning properly. Verify the supply air fan's functionality if the filter and fan belt seem to be in good shape.

What to do if your oil boiler is not producing enough heat

It's possible that you can resolve the issue causing your central heating system to malfunction on your own. You might be able to restart your central heating using the following advice:

- Make sure your thermostat isn't off or isn't set too low. Check to see whether the issue is fixed by turning the thermostat all the way up. 

- You might need to bleed your radiators if one of them is still warm or if the bottoms of the radiators are heated.  Verify that the water pressure is 1 bar. The boiler won't be able to operate at all if the pressure is insufficient. 

- A frozen condensate pipe should be checked. If so, thaw the condensate pipe safely to restart the boiler by defrosting the frozen pipes. 

- After turning off the boiler's power source, wait 60 seconds, and then turn it back on. 

Get in touch 

Before doing any maintenance on your own, refer to the manual for your oil boiler or call a fully qualified engineer to help fix any issues for you. At Green and Reliable are fully trained and qualified to carry out a range of oil boiler services. Get in touch by calling us on 08001182467 or 07717574470.