Which maintenance task can help prevent sooting in an oil-fired boiler?

Adjusting the burner components to proper settings is key in preventing sooting in an oil-fired boiler because the precise configuration of these components directly affects the combustion process. When the burner is set correctly, it ensures that the fuel is atomized properly and mixed with the right amount of air for efficient burning. This optimal air-to-fuel ratio leads to complete combustion, which significantly reduces the production of soot.

Improperly adjusted burners can lead to incomplete combustion, where not all fuel is burned, resulting in the formation of soot as a byproduct. If the burner components such as the air shutter, nozzle, or fuel pressure settings are not correctly calibrated, it can create conditions conducive to soot accumulation within the boiler.

While keeping fuel lines free of contaminants is also important for system performance, it is the adjustment of the burner that specifically addresses the combustion efficiency that prevents sooting. Similarly, changing oil types and limiting heating cycles may have influences on the overall system but are less directly related to the soot production mechanism compared to the burner settings.