What is a key indicator of combustion efficiency in an oil system?

Combustion efficiency in an oil heating system is primarily assessed by examining flue gas temperature and oxygen levels. This measurement reveals how effectively the fuel is being converted into heat. A lower flue gas temperature typically suggests that most of the heat is being used to warm the space rather than being lost up the chimney, indicating greater efficiency. Oxygen levels in the flue gas offer insights into the completeness of the combustion process. Ideally, a balanced combustion process will have optimal oxygen levels, allowing for efficient fuel use and minimizing harmful emissions.

High oil consumption would generally indicate a problem with efficiency rather than serve as a key indicator of it. Visual smoke emissions can signal incomplete combustion but don't provide a comprehensive view of system efficiency. Similarly, noise levels might reflect operational issues but do not necessarily correlate with how efficiently fuel is being converted to heat. Thus, monitoring flue gas temperature and oxygen levels provides a clear and quantifiable method for evaluating combustion efficiency.