Increase efficiency and reduce emissions from oil burning equipment.

Fuel oil is a globally-traded commodity with inherent price volatility. You may have no control over the price of fuel oil, but it is within your power to manage your building's energy costs.

The United States Department of Energy, in cooperation with the fuel oil industry, has supported technological advances in oil burner equipment that have saved consumers billions of dollars and improved the environment by increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.

Advanced combustion equipment uses vaporizing technologies and high flow atomization burners to reduce emissions. Flame retention burners draw in less air and produce hotter, more energy-efficient combustion.

The industry has also introduced more efficient and environmentally friendly distillate fuel. For example, in 1970 fuel oil sulfur content averaged over 1%. Today, it averages .20-.30% and the industry is moving to reduce the sulfur content of heating oil to .05%.

Every property manager should give serious consideration to installing new, state-of-the-art, cost-efficient heating equipment.

If the heating equipment in your building is fifteen years old or older, it probably operates at only 60% efficiency. Today's oil heat equipment boasts efficiency ratings that can exceed 90%.

You should also consider an equipment upgrade if you observe uneven heating throughout the building, a time lag between firing the boiler and feeling heat, frequent breakdowns and service calls, or noticeable soot or dirt around the burner.

Consider having your heating equipment evaluated by an expert. A complete equipment replacement might not be necessary. Your building may benefit even by simply upgrading to a new, energy-efficient burner.

Start the planning process now. The time to replace equipment is spring and summer when the system can be shut down without unduly inconveniencing residents. Postponing the project for another year increases the risk of cold weather breakdowns and eliminates a year of saving money through reduced fuel consumption.

Despite the obvious benefits of an upgrade, some buildings may not be able to pay for it. If a new installation is out of the question, make sure you extract the best possible performance from your existing equipment through rigorous maintenance.

Remember that accumulation of as little as 1/8th inch of soot in boiler tubes can increase fuel consumption by over 8%. Scaling caused by soot and condensation inside the boiler further reduces efficiency. A fifty-tube boiler that has as few as five plugged tubes will suffer a 10% efficiency loss, forcing it to run longer to maintain the desired temperature.

Preventive maintenance to eliminate soot buildup also reduces the presence of acids and scaling that cause boiler tube corrosion and leaks which are expensive to repair. Professional preventive maintenance extends the useful life of your heating equipment, reduces maintenance costs, minimizes air pollution, and prevents service disruptions.

An annual boiler cleaning, efficiency test, and overhaul for every burner is a must. Boiler tubes should be replaced as soon as leaks are detected.

Boiler chambers should be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary. Defective draft regulators should be replaced since excess draft can pull heat through the boiler too quickly and reduce its efficiency. Burner cones, which keep the flame in optimal shape for efficient burning, should also be kept clean of scaling and soot.

Finally, professional chemical treatment of boiler water increases the overall life of the boiler by regulating impurities that contribute to corrosion and leaks.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Talk to a reputable full service fuel oil dealer with certified service technicians who can help you improve efficiency and reliability, reduce emissions, and lower costs.

By CARLA L. ROMITA, SVP 

CASTLE OIL CORPORATION