How is oil viscosity affected by temperature?

Oil viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of the oil. As the temperature increases, oil molecules have more energy and move more freely, which causes the oil to become thinner and less viscous. This reduction in viscosity allows the oil to flow more easily and improves its ability to burn efficiently in an oil burner.

Understanding the relationship between temperature and viscosity is crucial in HVAC applications, as it directly affects the performance of oil burners. If the oil is too viscous (which can happen at lower temperatures), it may not atomize properly in the burner, leading to poor combustion and potential operational issues.

In contrast, when the temperature decreases, the energy of the oil molecules decreases, resulting in an increase in viscosity. This increase can hinder the flow and atomization of the oil, negatively impacting the burner performance. Recognizing this fundamental principle is essential for properly maintaining and troubleshooting oil burner systems.