Question 1

Why does my oil boiler keep locking out?

Accepted Answer

A lockout means the burner's control box has detected a fault and shut the boiler down for safety. Common causes include a dirty or worn nozzle, a clogged oil filter, a failed photocell, air in the oil line, or a problem with the pump pressure. The only way to know which one applies is a diagnostic visit, because the symptoms are almost identical from the outside.

Question 2

How often should an oil boiler be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Once a year is the usual advice for a domestic oil boiler. An annual service cleans the burner, replaces the nozzle, checks the filters and flue, and tests combustion. It also gives an engineer the chance to spot a worn part before it fails in winter. If the boiler is used heavily or sits in a damp outbuilding, ask whether more frequent checks make sense.

Question 3

Is it worth repairing an old oil boiler?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the age of the boiler, the cost of the repair, and how efficiently it is running. A single nozzle or photocell is usually worth fixing. A cracked heat exchanger or a corroded tank is often not, because the money goes into a boiler that is near the end of its life. Ask the engineer for the diagnosis and a repair price, then decide.

Question 4

What happens during an oil boiler service?

Accepted Answer

The engineer isolates the boiler, cleans the burner and combustion chamber, replaces the nozzle, checks or replaces the oil filter, tests the pump pressure, inspects the flue, and runs a combustion analysis. They should also check for leaks and signs of soot or poor combustion. A straightforward service takes an hour or two, depending on access and the condition of the boiler.

Question 5

Can I service my own oil boiler?

Accepted Answer

You can change a filter or bleed a radiator, but the burner itself involves combustion settings, fuel pressure, and safety devices that need instruments and experience to set correctly. Getting it wrong can produce carbon monoxide or damage the boiler. For the annual service and any repair, use someone who works on oil boilers regularly and can show you their diagnosis.

Question 6

Why does my boiler smell of kerosene?

Accepted Answer

A kerosene smell usually points to a leak or a spill somewhere on the oil line, the tank, or the burner itself. Turn the boiler off, ventilate the room, and do not run it until someone has looked at it. A small weep at a joint can be tightened, but a leaking tank or line needs proper attention before the boiler is used again.

Oil Boiler Servicing in Ireland