Understanding how our oil-fired heating system works can help in many ways. Firstly, if you are unsure whether or not an oil-fired system is right for you, you’ll be able to find out the different pros and cons in the way it works. It can also help to maintain our heating systems and ensure that it is working in the best way for us.
There are three key steps of the heat in system to turn oil into heat for use in the home.
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Step 1: How the Thermostat Works to Engage the Heating System
A thermostat is your home’s way of communicating to your oil-based heating system that it needs more heat. If it senses that the temperature has dropped to a certain level, it can trigger the heating system to produce more heat. A thermostat is a great tool to ensure that your furnace is only creating the right amount of heat to sufficiently warm a home to desired comfort levels.
For this reason, the thermostat is key to minimize utility bills and to reduce wastage of the oil being transformed into heat. It works via a setting system, which you can operate, so that your heating system only creates heat when needed according to your lifestyle and needs. There are many types of modernized digital thermostats that can help you further reduce your energy consumption.
Step 2: How a Oil-Fired Heating System Creates Heat
- The oil burner is first engaged within the system to create heat inside the tank.
- Heating oil then travels from the tank, pumped to the burner or the next stage.
- Inside the burner, the heating takes place. The heating process transforms the oil into a fine mist, which is then mixed with air. The combination is optimal for burning and creating energy and heat.
- This mixture of fuel and air is now in an ideal form to be injected into the burner. This is a crucial component of the process, as finally, the mixture arrives in the combustion chamber where it is ready to be ignited to make heat.
Step 3: How the Heat Is Distributed with an Oil-Fired Heating System
The distribution process refers to the heat moving from the burner into the home. It is evenly distributed to efficiently warm the home for the comfort of the homeowners.
There are three ways that an oil-fired heating system can distribute heat to the home:
- The warm air that is created can get pushed through vents and dispersed into the home.
- Hot water can create heat, which is pushed through baseboards.
- Steam can be created which creates heat that is emitted through your home’s radiators.
Would you like to know more about how your oil-fired heating system can work better for you? Or would you like to understand how you can best maintain your furnace to prevent damage or rare safety hazards?
The Princeton Fuel team can help you to understand how to best look after your furnace and make sure that it provides you with optimal comfort in the home.