What type of heat does a condensing oil furnace utilize to achieve higher efficiency?

A condensing oil furnace achieves higher efficiency by utilizing latent heat. This type of heat refers to the energy released or absorbed during a phase change of a substance, particularly when water vapor in the exhaust gases condenses back into liquid water. In a condensing oil furnace, the combustion gases cool down to a temperature that allows this condensation to occur.

This process captures additional heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue, significantly enhancing the overall efficiency of the furnace. The greater the amount of latent heat recovered, the more energy-efficient the system becomes, often leading to energy savings and reduced emissions.

The other types of heat mentioned—conduction, radiant, and convective—do not specifically focus on the phase change of water vapor, which is crucial for the operation of a condensing oil furnace. Conduction involves the transfer of heat through solid materials, radiant heat involves energy transferred through electromagnetic waves, and convective heat applies to the movement of heat through fluids like air or water but does not relate to the condensation process that characterizes the efficiency of condensing boilers. Therefore, the focus on latent heat distinguishes the operation and efficiency of a condensing oil furnace from other heating methods.