Basic Components
This component ignites the oil to create combustion.
What is the igniter?
The most common type of fuel used in residential oil furnaces.
What is No. 2 fuel oil?
A common reason an oil furnace won’t start, related to fuel supply.
What is an empty oil tank?
This part of the burner should be replaced annually for proper fuel spray.
What is the nozzle?
The component that moves heated air through the home’s ductwork.
What is the blower motor?
This part of the oil furnace atomizes the fuel for combustion.
What is the nozzle?
The process of breaking oil into tiny droplets for efficient combustion.
What is atomization?
If black smoke is coming from the chimney, this could be the cause.
What is incomplete combustion or a dirty nozzle?
To prevent soot buildup, this component should be cleaned regularly.
What is the heat exchanger?
The type of venting system that relies on natural draft to remove combustion gases.
What is a chimney vent?
This safety device prevents the burner from running if no flame is detected.
What is the cad cell?
This component mixes air with fuel oil to ensure proper combustion.
What is the air shutter?
If the burner motor hums but doesn’t start, this component may be faulty.
What is the capacitor?
A homeowner should check this part of their oil furnace regularly to ensure it’s not empty.
What is the oil tank?
A common reason for weak airflow from supply registers in an oil furnace system.
What is a dirty air filter?
This component controls the start and stop of the burner motor.
What is the primary control?
The ideal combustion efficiency percentage for a properly tuned oil furnace.
What is 78-85%?
This test is performed to check for air in the fuel line.
What is bleeding the pump?
This test is performed to check the efficiency and safety of combustion.
What is a combustion analysis?
This measurement is used to determine the static pressure in a duct system.
What is inches of water column?
This part acts as the heat exchanger in an oil furnace, transferring heat to the air.
What is the combustion chamber?
The three primary requirements for combustion.
What are fuel, air, and ignition?
The likely cause of an oil burner going into lockout frequently.
What is a faulty cad cell or bad fuel quality?
The primary safety risk of an oil furnace that is not properly maintained.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
The primary purpose of a barometric damper in an oil furnace venting system.
What is to regulate draft and prevent excessive negative pressure?