Does your oil heat technician perform an efficiency test?

Efficiency testing of oil heating equipment is essential for clean and proper operation of your oil fired boilers and water heaters. You can usually tell if an efficiency test has been done because you will see a small 1/4 inch diameter hole drilled in the vertical part of your exhaust piping. This is the most common method.

The technician has a special 'gun' that he uses in conjunction with a piece of filter paper that looks like a small white bandaid. The nozzle of the gun is inserted into the hole and as the boiler or water heater is operating, he 'pulls' some of the exhaust in through the gun, which passes through the paper. He will then show you the paper, which will usually have a dark stain. This indicates all of the oil that is being introduced into the firebox is not being burned.

You are wasting your precious fuel, and if not operating efficiently for a long time, you can get a 'puffback'. This can be a real nightmare as soot will travel throughout the entire house, and you may need a restoration company to clean the entire house and its contents.

After replacing the nozzle and adjusting the air intake, he will do the test again with a new piece of filter paper, and if adjusted properly, the paper will come out almost perfectly clean.

I sometimes see installations that have no holes drilled, and many times the hole is not covered up with tape - this hole should be covered after the procedure is done. Annual maintenance of oil fired equipment is peformed by the oil company that delivers your oil, and usually the annual cleaning is free as it is part of your contract. If you do not clean your heating equipment for a few years, you are literally playing with fire, and soot, and smoke, and your wallet. -Ray