What tool is crucial for measuring the combustion air supplied to an oil burner?

A manometer is a crucial tool for measuring the combustion air supplied to an oil burner because it precisely measures the pressure difference between two points, typically related to the air supply system. In the context of combustion, measuring the pressure helps evaluate whether the air supply meets the necessary requirements for efficient and effective burning of oil. Proper air supply is essential for optimal combustion, as it ensures that the fuel burns completely, which in turn helps to prevent issues such as carbon buildup, incomplete combustion, and increased emissions.

Thermometers measure temperature, which is important in other contexts, but they do not provide information about the quantity or pressure of combustion air. Pressure gauges can measure certain systems' pressure but may not give an accurate reading of the airflow specifically required for combustion assessments. Flow meters can measure the volume of air flow but are less commonly used in the context of combustion air pressure monitoring. Thus, a manometer is the preferred and most effective tool for this specific measurement in oil burner applications.