Like any mechanical device, oil heating systems require all components to work together. But some parts are more important than others. One component that is particularly vital to the efficient and effective operation of your heating oil system is the burner.
You can consider the burner as the engine that drives your heating system. When your house gets chilly, the thermostat will send a signal to tell the oil burner in the furnace or boiler to turn on. A fuel pump then starts to draw the oil from the tank and through fuel lines to reach the oil burner.
There is a piece on the burner called the nozzle, which turns the oil into a very fine spray. This oil mist mixes with air and ignites in the combustion chamber, which gets very hot. This heat then gets moved around your home and comes out either through radiators, baseboards or vents.
How efficiently this is done depends on the design of the burner. Modern burners contain electronic pre-purge and post-purge controls to ensure ultra-clean starts and stops. New two-stage burners also have an efficiency level that’s 5–15% higher than older ones because they have been designed to conserve fuel.
Understanding combustion problems
If a burner seems to have combustion issues, it doesn’t always mean the burner is malfunctioning on its own. Sometimes, poor airflow around the system can be the culprit. Poor airflow can be caused by a variety of factors:
the furnace or boiler room is always sealed off or closed.
insulation or other energy conservation steps have been taken which have made for a very tight house.
a clothes dryer, workshop or pet’s living quarters are near the system. Lint, sawdust or animal hair can be drawn into the air openings of the burner and clog it.
If you are having any issues with your burner operation, it’s always best to arrange for professional service.