User Guide

Fuel Savings Devices

For the Consumer

Fuel-saving devices and systems available to the consumer are

numerous and vary in cost, benefit and function. Since each

homeowner’s circumstances differ, the service technician can

determine what option will benefit the homeowner the most.

Several of these options have been tested by the Brookhaven

National Laboratory, Upton, NY. They report that:

1. Irreparable, old and inefficient heating plants should be

replaced with new high efficiency packaged equipment,

including a correct firing rate and proper tuning. More or

less than 25 percent yearly fuel savings can be achieved.

2. Heating plants in good condition and reasonably efficient

can be refitted with a flame retention head burner and

produce more or less than 18 percent savings depending on

whether the heating unit is a boiler or furnace, and

additional improvements where applicable to improve heat

transfer. These improvements include a reduced firing rate,

use of fire tube baffles, clean combustion chamber and heat

exchanger, repair or replace combustion chamber, improve

jacket insulation, and efficiency adjustments by qualified

technicians.

3. Dual setback thermostats can produce more or less than nine

percent savings depending on occupancy patterns, amount

of setback and consistency in their use.

4. Flue dampers can produce more or less than nine percent

savings depending on what type of damper is used, the type

of burner in place, whether the heating unit is a boiler or

furnace and the proximity of the heating unit to heated

spaces. Note: fuel savings are not additive.

Preheaters

Preheaters can overcome the effects of cold oil but at the same time

they can also affect nozzle performance. According to Delavan

tests, flow rate, pattern and angle can be affected so it’s best to test

the nozzle performance installed in a burner when a pre-heater is

used.

Chemical Additives

Chemical additives play a significant role in the industry. Oil

additives serve good purposes, such as making oil cleaner, easier

flowing and easier to ignite, but they can sometimes have a

negative effect on nozzle performance. Use care in selecting and

using chemical additives.