Oil burners should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year to keep them running efficiently and safely. When dust and residue build up inside the burner, it causes the burning cycle to run far less efficiently. As a result, the oil burner will use up much more oil to create the same amount of heat, which in turn, causes even more buildup.
Shut down the feed valve to the burner and place a piece of cardboard in front of the burner door. The cardboard prevents ash from the burner from soiling your floor.
Clean the oil burner door, using a soft-bristle brush. Brush the soot and ash from the door, using a back-and-forth motion until the area is clean.
Clean the chamber of the burner, using a chimney brush until all visible dirt is removed.
Remove and clean the oil burner assembly, according the manufacturer's instructions. Most models are fitted with a burner gun, burner ignitor and flame retention head, which is the part that houses the actual burner flame. Scrape the residue from the assembly with a blunt object such as a flat-head screwdriver.
Reassemble the burner assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Remove and discard the piece of cardboard. Vacuum the area to remove excess ash and debris, if needed.