What are common indications of poor combustion in an oil heating system?

The presence of increased soot, yellow flames, or higher than normal emissions is a clear indication of poor combustion in an oil heating system. When combustion is efficient, the flames should be blue, indicating that the fuel is burning completely and releasing energy effectively. Yellow flames suggest incomplete combustion, often resulting from a lack of air or a dirty burner nozzle, leading to increased soot production as the fuel does not burn properly.

Additionally, higher emissions can occur when pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons are present due to poor combustion conditions. The appearance of soot not only indicates a potential hazard due to carbon buildup, which can lead to operational issues, but it also signifies that the system is not functioning optimally, wasting fuel and increasing the risk of operational failure.

Collectively, these signs point towards a serious issue that needs attention for both performance and safety reasons.