How frequently should an oil burner ideally be serviced?

An oil burner should ideally be serviced at least once a year to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. Regular servicing helps identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems, such as clogs, leaks, or malfunctions. Over time, soot and other residues can accumulate in the burner, affecting its efficiency and potentially leading to more significant repair issues or even safety hazards. Annual maintenance typically includes cleaning, inspecting for wear or damage, and adjusting settings to ensure that the burner operates correctly.

While some may consider more frequent servicing, such as every six months, this is generally unnecessary for most residential oil burners unless the burner is used heavily or in unique conditions that result in increased wear and tear. Service intervals longer than one year, such as every two years, might lead to a deterioration in performance because critical components may not receive attention when needed, increasing the risk of inefficiencies and safety hazards. Thus, the recommendation for annual servicing strikes a good balance between maintaining the burner effectively and not overburdening the system with excessive maintenance.