What is the best way to minimize soot buildup in an oil burner?

Minimizing soot buildup in an oil burner is significantly influenced by the air-to-fuel ratio. A proper balance between air and fuel is crucial for achieving complete combustion. When the air-to-fuel ratio is correctly adjusted, the burner can efficiently mix the fuel with the right amount of air, resulting in a cleaner burn that produces less soot and carbon particles.

When there is insufficient air relative to the amount of fuel (a rich mixture), incomplete combustion occurs, leading to the formation of soot. Conversely, an overly lean mixture (too much air) can also cause operational problems, though it typically produces less soot than a rich mixture. Therefore, maintaining the optimal air-to-fuel ratio is vital for ensuring complete combustion and reducing soot buildup in the burner.

The other options, while they may have some relevance to oil burner operation, do not directly address soot buildup in as effective a manner as adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio. For instance, increasing fuel pressure can enhance atomization of the oil but does not guarantee that the combustion process will be efficient or that soot will be minimized. Decreasing burner temperature may slow the combustion process, leading to inefficient burning rather than resolving soot issues. Finally, using low-sulfur fuel can help in reducing emissions