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Heating Systems

Need more information on heating oil and how your heating oil system works? Visit OilheatAmerica.com.

Q: How does my heating system work?
A: Heating oil systems warm your home using either water or air as the medium for delivering heat. Efficiency is higher in newer systems, but the basic methods of generating and distributing the heat remain unchanged. The charts below illustrate how a boiler heats and distributes water, and how a furnace heats and distributes air.

Hot Water System (Boiler) The thermostat (1) sends a signal to the controls (2) on the burner (3). The fuel pump (4) draws heating oil through a filter (5) to the burner. The burner turns the heating oil into a fine spray, mixes it with air and ignites it in the combustion chamber (6), causing the chamber to get very hot. Water circulates around the combustion chamber. A circulator (7) pumps the heated water through radiators or baseboards to heat the home. An expansion tank (8) adjusts to varying pressures. Eventually, the water returns to the heating unit to begin the cycle again. Combustion emissions are vented out the flue (9).

Hot Air System (Furnace) The thermostat (1) sends a signal to the controls (2) on the burner (3). The fuel pump (4) draws heating oil through a filter (5) to the burner. The burner turns the heating oil into a fine spray, mixes it with air and ignites it in the combustion chamber (6), causing the chamber to become very hot. Air absorbs heat in the heat exchanger (7). A blower (8) sends this air through ducts (9) to heat the home. The air eventually circulates back to the heat exchanger and the cycle continues. Combustion emissions are vented out the flue (10).

Q: How can I save energy in my home?
A: We've found a helpful Website, where you can identify the best ways to save energy in your home, and find the resources to make those savings happen! Of course, if you have any questions about how to save energy, you may always contact us.

Q: My child hit the "emergency switch" and it went Off and On, is this a concern?
A: No, this is not a concern.

Q: Can this cause damage to my furnace?
A: It is highly unlikely that this will cause a problem to your unit.

Q: How often should I get a tune-up for my furnace or boiler?
A: Your heating unit should be serviced once a year to keep it working at peak efficiency.

Q: I hear water rushing through my pipes. What is it?
A: Most likely you have air in your system. You need to have us purge the air out of your system.

Q: When I turn on my heat I hear banging in the walls for the first 5 or so minutes. What is it?
A: The pipes expand and contract when they are heated and cooled. Most likely, what you are hearing are the pipes rubbing against the wood in the walls and floors. After they have been expanded, you will not hear any more banging until the next time the heat comes on and the pipes are expanded again.

Q: How I can tell if I need a new furnace?
A: We need to come and evaluate your system to be able to advise you on the best course of action, if any is needed. You can call Dominick Fuel for a FREE comfort system evaluation.