Oil Fired Boiler Efficiency

Combustion Efficiency

Overall oil fired boiler efficiency is broken down into two basic categories, the first is combustion efficiency and the second is actual boiler efficiency. Combustion efficiency is calculated by dividing the usable heat the boiler produces by the amount of fuel used and is measured in BTU/h. This figure is arrived at by working only with the available heat produced by the boiler; after all waste heat has been deducted. Waste heat includes that which has gone up the chimney and any other losses such as excess air that is required for combustion, but provides no usable heat.

Boiler Efficiency

This is measured by dividing the total of all waste losses including combustion losses, radiant heat from the boiler and the piping, any calculable unknown losses such as soot build up and heat exchanger losses by the fuel. This  final figure is also measured in BTU/h. While many people worry more about combustion efficiency, it’s really only one half of the whole equation.

Other areas of oil fired burner efficiency include boiler thermal efficiency;  which covers how well the heat exchanger itself is working. If there is a build-up of soot on the outside or water scale on the inside of the pipe, the overall efficiency of the system may be seriously affected. You should keep track of a boiler's overall seasonal efficiency, as this will help you to get a better idea of how much degradation, if any, is  present.

Once you have a base idea of where your oil fired boiler efficiency rating stands, you can start to look at different ways to improve it. To start with, you need to implement a regular preventative maintenance plan that includes having a certified boiler technician perform a complete inspection and tune up on your boiler. This should be done annually at the start of every cold season and can result in a savings on your annual heating bill.

Any time you note a sudden increase in your oil consumption, call a technician as it could indicate a a blocked burner nozzle or even a serious problem with the system itself.. It’s up to you to pay close attention to your oil consumption and stay on top of things if you want maximum oil fired burner efficiency.

Another great way to save money and make the most of your oil fired heating system is to install one of the new oil fired combi boilers. They not only provide heat for you home through a series of radiators, but will provide you with plenty of fresh hot water all winter long. This type of boiler system can provide you with the most efficiency for the money you are going to spend on heating your home this winter.