Set the thermostat 5 degrees above the room temperature. If it is a clock thermostat, make sure the timing and clock settings are correct.
Be sure there is oil in the tank and the oil line valve is open
All actions below are corrections for a problem that has occured. The appliances that provide you heat and hot water present a real danger to you and your property if not operating correctly. The small investment for a professional to check and tune up your systems has unmeasurable value compared to a system that fails and causes a fire.
Make certain that all switches affecting the oil burner are "ON". Should you find an "EMERGENCY SWITCH" turned off. For safety, be sure to ask "WHY?" before turning the switch "ON".
This is on the burner control box which is usually located on the chimney stack, but may be on the burner itself.
If the burner runs for only a minute or two and shuts off again, DO NOT PRESS THE RECYCLING BUTTON AGAIN!
Check for blown fuses in the meter fuse box and main burner switch box. Replace blown fuses with new (15 ampere capacity). Screw in tightly. Or reset blown breaker switches.
If the boiler is equipped with a low water cut-off, make sure that the water in the boiler guage glass is at the "water line" If pressure ot temperature is high, the limit control may have stopped the burner. If so, burner should restart when pressure or temperature drops. CHECK PRESSURE GAUGE
(with hot water boiler, check thermostat)