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Yes. Boilers need water to run without overheating, also known as dry firing. If you run it without a sufficient volume of water, either because of a burst pipe or a leak, you run the risk of damaging your machine or jeopardizing the safety of your home as a whole. When in doubt, shut off your boiler and repair any plumbing issues before turning it back on. Alternatively, consider installing a low-water cutoff (LWCO) before any issues arise. This gadget will protect your boiler by monitoring water levels and automatically shutting it off if it gets too low. 

You can save money on heating oil through a combination of improving home efficiency and smart purchasing strategies.

Home Efficiency and Usage:

• Improve Insulation: Ensure your home, especially the basement and attic, is well-insulated and sealed against drafts to prevent heat leakage.

• Manage Your Thermostat: Use a properly calibrated and programmable thermostat. Lower the temperature by a few degrees, particularly when you are away from home or asleep.

Purchasing Strategies:

• Buy in the Off-Season: Order heating oil during the summer months when prices are generally at their lowest. This strategy is most effective if you have a large primary tank or a separate storage tank to accommodate bulk deliveries.

• Consider a Delivery Contract: Some companies offer contracts with a set price for the term. This can lead to savings if market prices for oil increase, but you might pay more if prices drop.

If your boiler is 20 years old, it’s time to get a new one. Although it may seem to be working fine, it’s likely eating up more fuel than it should. Also, compared to a brand-new boiler, one that’s 20 years old is probably not working as well. When you get your new unit, you’ll notice that your home is heating more quickly, and the heat is consistent throughout all the rooms.

Generally, an oil furnace is considered safer than a gas furnace for several reasons. While both types of furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, a leak in an oil furnace is easier to detect due to the smell. Oil furnaces also don't connect to a gas pipeline, which reduces the chance of a fuel leak. Most importantly, heating oil is not combustible, whereas natural gas is highly flammable. This means there is a much lower risk of combustion or explosion with an oil furnace. However, an oil furnace can still pose a fire hazard if it tips over.