If you use an oil boiler to heat your home or manage a property with one, you might be wondering just how often it needs a service. Is once a year enough? What happens if you skip a service? And is there an ideal time of year to book in?

Let’s clear it all up.

At South West Gas Services, we believe oil boiler servicing should never feel like a chore. It should feel like peace of mind. Whether you’re a homeowner in the countryside, a landlord managing multiple properties, or someone looking after a holiday let, this guide is for you.

How Often Do You Need to Service an Oil Boiler?

The short answer? Every year.

Oil boilers should be serviced once every twelve months to make sure they are safe, efficient, and performing at their best. It might seem like overkill if your heating is working just fine, but an annual service does a lot more than tick a box. It helps prevent breakdowns, keeps energy bills in check, and protects your household from potential hazards.

In fact, most manufacturer warranties and home insurance policies will only stay valid if you have proof of yearly servicing. Skipping it could mean footing the bill if anything goes wrong.

Want to know more about the ins and outs of oil heating in general? Check out our page on Oil Boiler Services.

Why Annual Servicing Is Essential

Let’s break down why once a year is the golden rule for oil boiler maintenance:

1. Safety First
   During a service, a qualified engineer checks for signs of wear, soot buildup, and possible leaks. They also test for carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal. Regular checks make sure your boiler is not putting you or your family at risk.
2. Maximum Efficiency
   A clean, well-tuned boiler burns oil more efficiently. That means lower heating bills and fewer emissions. Over time, deposits can build up inside your boiler, making it work harder and cost more to run.
3. Catching Problems Early
   Most breakdowns do not come out of nowhere. They are usually the result of small issues that went unnoticed for too long. Annual servicing helps catch these issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
4. Warranty And Insurance Compliance
   Almost all boiler warranties and landlord insurance policies state that an annual service is required. Miss a year and you might void your coverage altogether.

Still unsure whether oil heating is right for your home? Have a look at How Oil Heating Compares to Gas and Electric.

What’s Included in a Standard Oil Boiler Service?

A typical oil boiler service with South West Gas Services includes a full inspection, cleaning, and safety check. Here’s a quick overview of what we cover:

• Visual inspection of the tank, pipework, and flue

• Cleaning of internal components, including the heat exchanger

• Replacement of oil nozzle and any worn seals or filters

• Combustion tests to measure efficiency and emissions

• Carbon monoxide checks

• Re-calibration of settings if needed

• Full service report for your records
  

We always follow the latest guidance from OFTEC, the official UK registration body for oil heating technicians.

To learn more about who we are and why we’re trusted across the region, visit our About Us page.

Risks of Skipping Your Annual Boiler Check

Think you can skip a year and save some money? It might cost you more in the long run. Here are a few things that can go wrong if you delay your oil boiler service:

Higher Fuel Bills
Without regular cleaning and adjustments, your boiler uses more oil than it should. That means rising costs with every heating cycle.

Breakdowns in Winter
Most people only think about their heating when the cold sets in. That’s why many breakdowns happen during peak winter months when engineers are busiest.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Blocked flues, cracked seals, and soot buildup can all lead to unsafe emissions. Without an annual check, you may not even know there is a problem until it is too late.

Invalid Warranty
Even if your boiler is still under warranty, skipping a service could mean the manufacturer refuses to cover repair costs.

Get up to speed on heating costs in your area with our guide: How Much Is Heating Oil?.

Signs Your Oil Boiler Needs Servicing Sooner

While once a year is the standard, there are a few signs that mean your oil boiler might need attention sooner:

• Strange noises like banging, whistling, or gurgling

• Unusual smells near the boiler or tank

• Soot or oil marks around the boiler casing

• Oil consumption seems higher than usual

• The heating takes longer to warm up than it used to

• The boiler cuts out regularly or needs resetting often

If you spot any of these, don’t wait until your next scheduled service. Contact us straight away through our Contact Page.

When’s the Best Time to Book a Service?

The best time to service your oil boiler is during the warmer months, ideally in late spring or summer. Here’s why:

• Engineers are more available, so you can book a time that suits you

• You avoid peak season delays when winter demand kicks in

• You reduce the risk of breakdowns when you need heating the most

A proactive service in summer means confidence in winter.

For more ways to save on oil and prepare for the colder months, read 10 Ways to Save Big on Heating Oil.

Oil Boiler Maintenance with South West Gas Services

We are proud to serve homes, landlords, and businesses across the South West with dependable, expert boiler services.

Here is why so many choose us:

• Fully Qualified Engineers: All our technicians are OFTEC registered

• Local Knowledge: We know the South West like the back of our hand

• Prompt Response: Flexible booking and fast callouts when you need us

• Honest Pricing: No hidden fees or surprises

• Domestic and Commercial Services: From family homes to large properties
  

If you’re a landlord, we also offer compliance services and safety checks. Head over to our Landlords page to learn more.

Whether you live in a cosy rural cottage, manage an estate, or run an off-grid business, we have a solution for you. Find more options for Domestic or Industrial and Commercial support too.

Final Thought

So, how often should you service an oil boiler? The answer is simple — every year.

Regular servicing is the key to staying safe, avoiding breakdowns, saving money on fuel, and keeping your warranty intact. And when you choose South West Gas Services, you are choosing a team that genuinely cares about keeping your home warm and your boiler working its best.

We are local, we are reliable, and we are ready when you are.

Book your oil boiler service with South West Gas Services today — reliable, local, and qualified for homes across the South West.

Looking to learn even more about oil heating? Check out our latest post: Is Oil Fired Central Heating Expensive? or What Size Oil Tank Do You Need for Your Home?.