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Oil heat oil fired heatOil heat oil fired heat: Oil heat is used in many areas of the country because of fuel costs and/ or lack of cleaner burning natural gas. It is recommended that overall maintenance be performed on oil burning units at least yearly. The special tips which the oil passes through, just before ignition, are calibrated for exact air/fuel ratios. Over time and use these tips will wear and the ratio can change. This can lead to more soot buildup in the flue and other problems. A heating contractor should be called to service and adjust these units at least once per year. Somewhat new to the industry are direct vent heaters. The new electronically controlled direct vent heaters are extremely efficient. They burn all fuels but most are designed to burn kerosene. Two major brands are "monitor" and "toyo." Often these types of heaters are generically referred to as "monitor heaters." Note: all fossil fuel burning heaters have a device known as a "heat exchanger." One of the most common methods of inspecting a heat exchanger is with a mirror and flashlight. Often very little of the heat exchanger is visible to the inspector without total disassembly of the unit. The inspector is not allowed to disassemble anything under the inspection guidelines with respect to inspections for individuals that do not own the property. Components not visible to the inspector cannot be effectively reviewed for defects. Any tests performed by the inspector to determine whether the heat exchanger is holed or cracked may be inconclusive. It is therefore recommended you request that the fuel supplier or a heating contractor review the heating system before taking possession of the property. If this concerns you do not hesitate to contact the inspector for additional information on this subject.
File last updated March 17, 2010 * Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, West Paterson NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.
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