How Does An Oil Heating System Work?
Many homes use heating oil for heating because an oil-fired system offers clean and environment-safe operations. They also last twice as long compared to other fuel systems. Oil heating systems are worthy investments for your home as they are highly efficient and cost-effective, especially newer models with impressive AFUE ratings. This article answers the question, “How does an oil heating system work?”.
First, we dispel some common oil heating system misconceptions.
Common Myths Regarding Oil Heating Systems
- Environment: Most individuals think oil heating has worse effects on the environment than other heating systems. This is not true. Fuel oil has a much cleaner burn because of new technology, making it one of the best heating systems for the environment. In fact, it comes well within the air pollution standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, making it cleaner than many other heating fuels.
- Price: Heating oil systems are less costly and have double the service life of other heating systems, making them worthy investments. You will have up to 5% savings on your fuel cost when you have an oil heating system.
- Lifetime: Heating oil systems are known to have around a 30-year lifespan than systems that use propane or natural gas, which last for only 11 to 14 years.
- Safety: Many people think heating oil is unsafe to use, which is not true. When in its natural state, heating oil is very safe. Storing it correctly ensures that heating oil doesn’t pose a risk of explosion or be a cause for concern.
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How Oil Heat Works
Heating oil systems provide home heating in one of three ways: vents, baseboards, or radiators. Its operation starts with the thermostat. When it senses a drop in the specified temperature, it will signal your heater to begin heating your home.
When oil is heated, a pump moves the oil from the tank to the burner. This turns into a warm mist that mixes with the air. The mixture of fuel and air travels into the burner to create fire in the combustion chamber.
The oil heats the water or air, warming up your home, depending on which kind of heating system you own. Air systems are known as central forced-air systems, and they utilize a network of ducts to distribute the warm air around your home. On the other hand, hydronic heating systems are water systems that heat water to be dispersed to the radiators or baseboards, depending on which one you have.
You can use one of two heating oil systems: a furnace or a boiler. These two systems have some differences, but what they have in common is that newer models are more efficient. This is because HVAC technology has emphasized creating outstanding energy-efficient heating systems.
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Oil-Heat Furnaces
Modern minimum-efficiency furnaces have better and more efficient operations than outdated atmospheric models. A fan helps the exhaust air go through a heat exchanger.
The best ones for heating a furnace with oil are the newer condensing furnaces. They allow less heat to escape outdoors. Moreover, it cools gasses first before venting the hot exhaust immediately. The water vapor condenses, and exhaust goes out through a plastic pipe on the side.
Oil-Fired Boilers
Hydronic boilers heat water, and warm water goes through the house. The hot water warms your home via the baseboards or radiators. When the water cools, it cycles back to the boiler for reheating.
A steam boiler is another type of heating oil system. They are not as common and work by letting the water boil so the steam can move throughout its system and warm up your home via the radiators.
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Furnaces Vs. Boilers
The primary difference furnaces have from boilers is that they use air for home heating while boilers utilize water. They both have the same process of heating oil, keeping the system warm so the cold air or water can go through the reheating cycle again.
Furnaces and boilers consume oil to heat, beginning in the combustion chamber, where the oil turns to fire. The heat exchanger then heats the water or gasses that flow through the system.
Oil Heating System Maintenance
Like other heaters, oil heating systems need to be maintained so you can be sure that they work efficiently and correctly. Start with your thermostat. Clean it before the heating season arrives, as this device helps in your home’s temperature regulation.
Your oil heater system’s blower and the stack parts monitor the burner. Maintaining them helps remove debris and particles that can slow down your heater’s function.
Some tasks can be done on your own, but it is recommended that you call an HVAC professional to ensure your system is running properly before the start of the cold season. Book one today if you haven’t had your system tuned up. Annual cleaning is all your heating system needs to operate more efficiently, lower heating expenses, increase comfort, and enhance indoor air quality.
Environmental Benefits Of Using Oil Heating Systems
Oil heaters generate clean heat, with new systems having nearly zero smoke released into the air and combustion debris in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, oil burners are known to be one of the cleanest burning sources.
Oil tank storage doesn’t threaten your health and the environment, and tanks that are well-taken care of can last for decades. Heating oil is non-toxic, biodegradable, and doesn’t have carcinogens.
The benefits it has to the environment are excellent reasons to invest in an oil heating system. They have a long lifespan and are more cost-effective. You also help the environment because it releases nearly no debris or smoke into the air.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the advantages and how oil heating systems operate, consider getting one when you need a new heating system. Modern systems offer you more savings in the long run and are better for the environment.
It is crucial that you hire an HVAC professional to inspect your heating system to ensure it operates as it should before winter. An HVAC expert can assist you to feel comfortable knowing you have a properly-working heating system that won’t break down when you need it the most. Ensure that you schedule a professional cleaning for your heating system today!
Call R.F. Ohl for Solutions to Ensuring Comfort in Your Home
For reliable and affordably-priced heating oil, call R.F. Ohl. You can count on our high-quality, discount heating oil deliveries to be fast and friendly. We also offer efficient heating solutions for your family and home. Click the link to view our service area.
The expert technicians on our team are equipped to handle any HVAC repair or maintenance. Contact us to hear about our various services. We can assist by answering your questions and concerns. For more information about our efficient HVAC services or oil deliveries, call R.F. Ohl today!
Call us today to learn more. Click here or call us at (610) 377-1098 to contact us today!
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