Oil Heating Flashcards

What does a barometric draft control (draft regulator) do in an oil heating system?

Answer: Maintain constant flue draft by admitting dilution air when draft exceeds setpoint

The barometric damper swings open to admit room air when draft is too strong, maintaining a stable negative pressure in the flue.

What is the minimum recommended flue gas temperature for an oil furnace to prevent condensation in the flue?

Answer: 350°F

Flue gas temperatures above 350°F prevent sulfuric acid condensation from oil combustion products, which would corrode the flue system.

What is the purpose of the oil filter installed in the oil supply line before the pump?

Answer: Filter sediment and particulates that could clog the nozzle or damage the pump

The oil filter traps rust, sediment, and debris from the tank that could plug the fine nozzle orifice or damage pump components.

What annual efficiency rating measures the seasonal performance of an oil furnace?

Answer: AFUE

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures the percentage of fuel converted to heat over the heating season for oil furnaces.

What causes water in the oil tank and what is its effect on the burner?

Answer: Condensation inside the tank accumulates water at the bottom; water can be drawn into the burner causing flame-outs and pump damage

Condensation inside the tank introduces water that sinks to the bottom and can be drawn to the burner, causing hard lockouts and corrosion.

What is the correct response when the oil burner primary control goes to hard lockout?

Answer: Press the reset button once after verifying the cause; repeated resets flood the combustion chamber with oil

Pressing reset repeatedly without diagnosing the cause pumps unburned oil into the combustion chamber, creating a dangerous puffback hazard.