What are common symptoms of an oil burner that is out of tune?

When an oil burner is out of tune, the presence of smoke, soot buildup, and high stack temperature are strong indicators of inefficiency and improper combustion.

Smoke is typically a sign of incomplete combustion, where not all of the oil is being converted into heat energy, leading to the production of unburned hydrocarbons. This can also create soot, which is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion process. Soot buildup can accumulate in the burner, the heat exchanger, and the chimney, affecting the efficiency and safety of the heating system.

High stack temperatures can occur when the combustion process is inefficient, as more heat is being lost in the exhaust rather than being used to heat the space. This could indicate that the burner is not operating at the optimal air-to-fuel ratio, further contributing to the production of smoke and soot.

Identifying these symptoms is crucial for maintenance and performance, as they not only affect the efficiency of the burner but can also lead to increased operational costs and potentially hazardous situations if not addressed promptly.