How Does My Oil Heating System Work?

Written on: August 30, 2021

he proven reliability of modern oil heating controls has been an important factor in making today’s oil heat a remarkably safe and efficient fuel for heating homes in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

To begin with, a wide range of limit controls, thermostats and switching relays are used in oil heating systems. Oil-powered boilers and oil furnaces have both become more accurate and sophisticated because of advances in technology. Here’s an overview of some of the controls that are an important part of your oil heating system.

• Limit controls on oil heat systems regulate warm air, water temperature and pressure control. There are two categories: high limit/safety controls and low limit/operating controls.
• High limit/safety controls act as safeguards to prevent overheating. They will turn off the burner if temperatures become too high in the furnace or boiler, or if the pressure in a steam boiler rises to an unsafe level.
• Low limit/operating controls start and stop the burner on a signal from the thermostat or aquastat (a device that controls water temperature).
• Primary controls monitor the oil burner’s flame and modern ones are very accurate. Primary controls also have a reset button. This button allows you to try and restart the burner should a problem cause the unit to shut down.
• Cad cell controls serve as additional protection circuits. These were added to oil heating systems in the early 1970s. A cad cell uses its photo cell “eye” to send a shutdown message to the primary control board if it can no longer “see” the burner’s flame.

Besides all of the controls noted above, many new oil boilers now incorporate energy-saving controls that greatly reduce fuel usage by as much as 10% and provide a more even heat.

Additionally, high-efficiency oil furnaces now feature variable speed motors that use about 80% less power to operate.

Do you know where your system’s power switches are?

There are usually two switches that will cut off power to the oil burner. A red emergency switch is typically located at the top of the basement stairs. If the heating system is located in a utility room, look for the emergency switch near the room’s entrance. A second burner power switch is often found on or near the heating system.

Do you have a modern thermostat?

Many people are now using a smart thermostat in their oil-heated homes. A WiFi enabled thermostat allows homeowners to view and change temperature settings from their smartphone or tablet. Once the smart thermostat gets installed, the homeowner registers it online. This enables access from any location.

Looking for a reliable heating oil supplier for your NY, NJ or PA home?

If you’re not a current customer and you’re looking for affordable heating oil from a fuel supplier that offers fast and hassle-free deliveries, contact Lawman’s Oil today. Check our service area to see if we deliver to your New Jersey, Delaware or Pennsylvania town.

Not only will you get high-quality, low-cost heating oil, you’ll also be helping the American Breast Cancer Foundation provide much needed support, education, and access to early detection to individuals in need. To support these efforts, Lawman’s Oil donates 1¢ of every gallon we sell to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.