Date: October 6, 2025
When the weather outside is below freezing and the snow and sleet are coming down, it’s good to know that your home’s boiler can deliver reliable, extra-cozy heat to keep your family comfortable and safe. But what happens when your home’s boiler keeps shutting off before your home is the right temperature?
At Cubby Oil & Energy, our team of experienced, highly-skilled heating technicians can address just about any boiler service issue. That said, there are some boiler problems you might be able to fix yourself. Here are five potential causes for intermittent shutdown issues you may be facing.
One of the most common reasons a boiler shuts off unexpectedly is a problem with the thermostat. It could be signaling your boiler to shut off. Here are some things to check:
If you haven’t had your heating oil tank refilled since last winter ended, you might be running out of fuel. This could cause your boiler to shut down unexpectedly. Check your tank gauge, a clear vial with markings like a car’s oil gauge (F, ¾, ½, 1/4, E). There’s a floating colored disc in the vial indicating how full your tank is. If the disc is at the bottom or not visible at all, the tank is likely empty. Contact us right away for a heating oil delivery.
To avoid run-outs altogether, please consider switching to our free automatic delivery schedule.
Your boiler needs the right amount of pressure to run properly. Over time, pressure can drop, especially if you’ve bled the radiators or have a small leak. When it gets too low, the boiler may shut off and flash an error code. The fix often starts with checking for leaks and re-pressurizing the system, which your manual will explain. Some models are simple to top up yourself, but if they require opening panels or tools, it’s safest to call a licensed technician from Cubby.
If your boiler keeps turning on and off in quick bursts, that’s called short cycling. It prevents overheating, but it wastes energy, raises oil consumption and puts extra strain on your system. Often, the cause is an oversized boiler, though issues like pump problems, restricted pipes or poor system design can also be to blame. You can reach out to the Cubby team to arrange a heating consultation. Our folks can diagnose the issue and suggest fixes.
Boiler systems can be complex to install and fix, and these are just a few of the most frequent issues that lead to a boiler system shutting off unexpectedly. Being a Cubby Oil & Energy customer means that you have a team of dedicated boiler experts at your service, ready to assist in diagnosing and remedying your issue.
Let’s get your home’s boiler in peak operational shape before winter arrives. Contact us today to arrange service.