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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Order online or call
01480 775454
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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Written by
Camilla George
on 12 Dec 2022
and updated on
06 Mar 2026
Categorised in
Tips and Advice
Keeping your boiler efficient can help lower heating costs and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance and a few simple checks can ensure your boiler runs at maximum efficiency throughout the year.
When your system is operating efficiently, the heating oil you use can also go further, helping the volume in your tank last longer and deliver more heat from every litre.
Below are some easy steps you can take to keep your boiler performing at its best.
An annual boiler service helps keep your oil boiler safe, efficient, and reliable. An OFTEC-qualified engineer will inspect your boiler, check if any parts need replacing, and ensure the correct mix of air and fuel for efficient combustion.
Regular servicing is important because it helps identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. It also ensures your boiler is operating safely and efficiently, which can help lower fuel consumption and maintain consistent heating performance throughout the colder months.
Routine servicing also keeps key components clean and properly adjusted, helping the system run reliably, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and extending the overall lifespan of your boiler.
During a service, the engineer may also:
The engineer will typically inspect the burner, fuel supply, filters, and safety controls while also cleaning key components to remove soot or debris that can build up over time.
A well-maintained oil boiler can operate up to 10% more efficiently, helping to reduce fuel costs and extend the life of your heating system.
Heating oil additives help keep your fuel clean and your boiler running efficiently. Over time, stored heating oil can develop sludge, moisture, and microbial growth, which may affect performance.
Additives work by helping prevent these deposits from forming while stabilising the fuel in your tank. This helps protect key components such as filters, fuel lines, and the burner from blockages.
By supporting cleaner combustion and better heat transfer, additives also help maintain consistent boiler performance and reduce the likelihood of fuel-related issues. They're often added when refilling your tank, helping to keep the fuel system cleaner and support reliable heating throughout the year.
Price Charts
Buy 3 for just £22.00 per bottle - each bottle treats 1000L of heating oil.
Regular maintenance helps your oil boiler run more efficiently and reduces the risk of faults. Here are some simple checks you can carry out:
Soot deposits may indicate incomplete combustion. This can reduce efficiency and may produce harmful gases. If you notice soot or dark marks near your boiler, contact a qualified engineer.
Blocked or restricted vents reduce airflow and can affect the combustion process. Ensuring flues and ventilation points remain clear helps maintain safe and efficient operation.
Over time, sludge and mineral deposits can build up inside your heating system. Flushing the system or using a descaler helps improve heat transfer and prevents the boiler from working harder than necessary.
Air trapped in radiators prevents hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding radiators removes trapped air and allows heat to distribute evenly throughout your home.
Alongside boiler maintenance, there are other steps that can help improve overall heating efficiency:
These measures help reduce fuel consumption and improve the overall performance of your heating system. By keeping your system running efficiently, you can get more heat from every litre of fuel while helping avoid unnecessary waste and maintain reliable heating.
