Does it harm an oil boiler if it is only used occasionally?

[DIYNotIan]

Hi

We're reviewing our heating options... One option is to mainly heat the house with wood, and keep our old oil boiler as back up and for occasional use. It's a Worcester Danesmoor 20/25 and is probably around 20 years old. Do oil boilers only wear out from use? Or can there also be issues from lack of use?

Cheers

 

[BoilerBob]

Everything wears out but if looked after and dosed with inhibitor and kept clean it should last a few more years . Bob

 

[DIYNotIan]

Many thanks for the reply.

Any other thoughts RE boilers and how they survive not being used for prolonged periods?

 

[lostinthelight]

So does you WB have a boiler linked to the DHW and rads ?

 

[DIYNotIan]

So does you WB have a boiler linked to the DHW and rads ?

No. We'll be having at least two, but maybe three wood stoves. And we use very little hot water. Never have hot water from taps, and have the option of electric shower.

Cheers

 

[Madrab]

Only other thing I would watch would be the degrading of the fuel oil, depending on how long it may sit without being used.