Why oil boiler nozzles and electrodes are replaced every year

What matters most with oil nozzle and electrode replacement

• Nozzle wear changes spray pattern and combustion quality
• Electrode gap drifts with use and affects ignition reliability
• Both are treated as scheduled wear items, not fault-driven repairs
• Replacement supports accurate smoke and combustion test results
• Correct nozzle sizing must match the appliance's rated output

Oil nozzle and electrode replacement: the short technical version

A worn nozzle changes the spray pattern and droplet size, which affects how completely the fuel burns and how much soot accumulates on the heat exchanger. Electrodes erode at the spark tip and their gap drifts out of specification, weakening ignition reliability. Replacing both as routine wear items at each service keeps combustion settings consistent rather than waiting for a fault to appear.

Where we deal with this

• Heytesbury (BA12) · 15 mi
• Claverton (BA2) · 10 mi
• Limpley Stoke (BA2) · 8 mi

Questions we get asked

Can a nozzle be cleaned instead of replaced?

Cleaning does not restore the original spray geometry reliably, which is why replacement is the standard approach at service time.

What happens if electrodes are left worn?

Ignition becomes less reliable over time, which can lead to intermittent start-up failures or lockouts on cold mornings.