Massachusetts Oil Burner License Practice Test

What should be done if there is too much combustion air in an oil burner?

1. Reduce airflow to the burner

2. Increase the oil flow rate

3. Adjust the ignition timing

4. Replace the combustion chamber

The correct answer is: Reduce airflow to the burner

Reducing airflow to the burner is the appropriate action when there is too much combustion air present. Excess combustion air can lead to inefficient burning of the fuel, resulting in lower combustion temperatures, incomplete combustion, and increased emissions. When the amount of air exceeds the optimal level, it can dilute the fuel mixture, making it harder for the burner to maintain the required temperature for efficient combustion. By adjusting and reducing the airflow, you help to create the right air-to-fuel ratio. This adjustment allows for a more complete and efficient combustion process, leading to better performance, lower emissions, and more effective heating. Increasing the oil flow rate, adjusting the ignition timing, or replacing the combustion chamber do not directly address the issue of excessive combustion air and may not resolve the inefficiencies caused by the incorrect air-fuel mixture. Adjusting the airflow is the most immediate and effective solution to rectify the problem of too much combustion air in an oil burner.