Information

Our engineers are highly trained and are certified to fit, commission and service your Oil Boiler and tank. For problems with your existing Oil boiler, tank or oil lines give the office a call to arrange an appointment for an Oftec engineer to attend.

Designed to be strong and long lasting, oil fired appliances are some of the most efficient you can get. There’s a huge choice of floor standing or wall mounted boilers for installation inside and outside domestic premises.

All oil appliance installations should be serviced annually to ensure safety and correct operation. The annual service should include checking the oil tank and associated pipework.

Older oil boilers are typically around 60-70% efficient. Modern high efficiency condensing boilers are normally more than 90% efficient and are available as regular, system and combination boilers. Installing a condensing boiler is an excellent way to reduce running costs compared with non-condensing boilers and a fuel saving of up to 30% can be expected. In all regions, condensing boilers are now the preferred method of meeting building regulations.

Oil boilers have an excellent safety record. However, it’s worth fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm as a precaution, particularly when open flued appliances are used.

As with any fossil fuel burning appliance, poor or inadequate servicing can cause the generation of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is vital that your oil boiler is checked and serviced at least annually.

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic poisonous gas. It is odourless, colourless, and tasteless and therefore difficult to detect.

Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Tiredness
• Nausia
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, known as LPG, is commonly used outdoors, such as for camping equipment, BBQs and patio heaters. It is also used in rural homes and statics. If you rent out your dwelling – even for a short term – you are classed as a landlord and therefore have legal duties when it comes to gas safety.

All fixed LPG gas appliances should be regularly serviced and safety checked every year by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. You should check your engineer is qualified to work on your property type, as well as qualified to work on the individual appliance.

When buying a new or replacement gas appliance you should check that it is suitable for its intended location (e.g. in a caravan) and the type of gas that will be used (i.e. LPG or natural gas). It must be installed by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

We highly recommend you install an audible carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an extremely poisonous gas, which can kill quickly and with no warning, as you cannot see, smell or taste it. Install a gas detection system, if possible.

Keep the area well ventilated when in use, to avoid a build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide. When you have finished with the appliance, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the appliances controls – this means that any gas in the hose and pipework will be used up.

When changing cylinders make sure all cylinder valves and/or gas taps are turned off before disconnecting. Only change a cylinder in open air. Do not over-tighten joints.

Return used cylinders to your supplier. Do not throw them away. If you are unsure what to do consult the UKLPG website or your nearest stockist.

Only use rubber hoses marked BS 3212 or stainless steel convoluted hoses marked EN10380. If connecting directly to a cylinder or if the outlet pressure of the regulator exceeds 50 mbar use a hose marked ‘High Pressure LPG’. Ensure the length of the hose is as short as practically possible, but long enough that they are not pulled tight.

Replace any hose that is damaged or shows signs of wear, stiffness, soft spots or cracking. Keep hoses clear from hot surfaces.