User Guide

8
Determination of Proper Firing Rate for a
House
Two procedures for determining the optimum nozzle size have
been developed. One is the standard heat loss calculation method
and the other is the K-factor sizing formula.
1. Standard Heat Loss Calculations Method If the
amount of heat loss is known, the amount of replacement
heat (heat load) needed is also known. From this
information, the proper size of a boiler or furnace can be
determined, thus the correct nozzle size. This method can be
used for determining the proper nozzle size in new
construction, a new heating system in an existing house, or a
new oil burner installation. This method requires extensive
measurements of the house and other construction details.
For more information, refer to recommended resource
material listed below.
Recommended Resource Material:
“Cooling and Heating Load Calculation Manual,” American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).
“Heat Loss Calculation Guide,” The Hydronics Institute
(IBR), 35 Russo Place, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922.
2. The K-Factor Sizing Formula This is a sizing calculation
that meets oil dealer and heating contractor needs for a quick
procedure to determine the proper nozzle size for existing
heating systems. The K-factor calculation uses oil dealer
records of degree days (a measure of “coldness”) and oil
used, plus other information, but does not require any
measurements of the house. For more information, refer to
recommended resource material listed below.
Recommended Resource Material:
“Handbook and Product Directory — Fundamentals,”
American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).
“The Professional Serviceman’s Guide to Oil Heat Savings,”
R.W. Beckett Corp., 38251 Center Ridge Road, PO. Box D,
Elyria, OH 44035.