DtiCorp.com Burner Service FAQ's

My new steam boiler bangs, clangs, and short cycles! What's wrong?

Improper sizing of the "near-boiler piping" and/or the waterside of the boiler wasn't properly cleaned after installation. The problem is usually in the "near-boiler piping". A quick scan of boiler manufacturer piping diagrams reveals that a specific, well-thought-out arrangement of components in the near-boiler piping will ensure highest operating efficiency and greatest ease of commissioning and service.

Can I install a setback thermostat myself?

Usually, if you are sure that you're existing thermostats are low voltage (24 volt AC), and you do not have zone valves. High voltage thermostat (110 volt AC) circuits will usually burn out a modern chronotherm thermostat and can be a fire hazard. A chronotherm can be safely installed with the addition of a relay but should be left to the professionals. Some zone valves require special attention. When installing a modern chronotherm, ask a qualified electrician or your oil burner technician if your band of zone valves require any special attention.

When is the best time to have the annual maintenance (Cleaning) on Oil Fired Heating Equipment?

This depends on the type of system you have and the environment that it’s in. The old myth of getting the unit ready for the coming winter really is not true anymore (never was). It is generally better to have the unit serviced as soon as the heating season is over especially if you have AC.

Some of the residue left over from the combustion of oil is corrosive, especially when it gets damp, condensation.

Hot water or steam boilers with domestic hot water from the system, either in a tankless coil or in an indirect fired water heater. It does not make any difference what time of year you have the unit cleaned. Hot water or steam boilers that goes cold in the summer months, you should have the unit serviced as soon as the heating season is over, this is especially true if you have a modern boiler with cast iron pins for heat transfer. The dampness from condensation along with the residue from combustion will corrode these pins and cut down on the efficiency of the boiler.

Oil fired water heaters, It does not make any difference what time of year these are serviced.

Pool heaters are generally serviced when they are shut down for the year. If it runs year round the summer is the most cost-effective time.

My Oil Burner keeps going off on safety (about once a day) and I have to keep resetting, what's wrong?

The main reason is once the burner is reset there are no telltale signs left to indicate what the problem might be. Even if the unit is not reset it will only indicate whether the problem is caused by faulty ignition. Let us go into these problems.

Ignition Problems: 1. Cracked or misaligned electrodes: Spotted and corrected by visual inspection.

2. Carbon build-up shorting out the spark: Spotted and corrected by visual inspection.

3. Faulty Transformer: Most transformers in use today are 10,000 volt with 23 mili-amps and are difficult to test effectively there are high voltage volt meters available but it is the overall wattage of the spark that is important and high voltage watt meters are not commonly available. checking the amperage for shorts and testing the output by drawing a well insulated screwdriver across the output poles gives as good of an indication of the condition as anything else. But it's still guess work.

Other Problems: 1. Partially clogged fuel system: The fuel system can be easily checked with a vacuum gauge.

2. Faulty oil pump: The fuel pump can be checked with gauges however we have encountered intermittent problems with the pump that can't be detected.

3. Faulty oil nozzle or improper retention head setup: Can usually be detected with the use of a flame mirror 4. Faulty photo cell or heat sensor: Most photo cells can be checked with a ohm meter and most heat sensors can be checked with a stop watch. Most heat sensors for flame safety are being phased out and replaced photo cells.

5. Faulty oil burner: If the motor doesn't go off on overload it can't be detected.

6. Faulty safety control: Usually can't be detected.

These are most of the problems that cause "have to reset" and sometimes the only way to cure the problem is by trying different components (this means multiple service calls). We have even seen "have to reset" caused by a loose electrical connection at the street. It only showed up when the wind was just right. In other words if you have a case of "have to reset" please be patient.

What's the difference between a "Full Service Oil Company" and a "Discount Oil Company"?

Delivery options: - Call for oil - If you don't take the minimum oil delivery (usually 125 to 150 gallons) you pay extra.

- Automatic Delivery is a degree-day based delivery system so you don't run out of oil. And no minimum delivery charges.

A full line of payment options: - Pre-Pay - Paying all or part of your winters heating bill before the heating season. This gives you a discount on each gallon of fuel oil.

- Paying on Delivery (payment within ten days of delivery usually same as cash). This gives you a discount on each gallon of fuel oil.

- Some offer Fixed pricing is a guaranteed price for the winter's fuel oil. This price is usually a couple of cents higher than the best estimates of the actual cost of the average winter's oil. You pay a little more if increase in oil prices is average but less if the price of oil goes way up. It's like an insurance policy, just remember that insurance companies make money too.

- Discounts for large tanks.

- Budget Accounts - The Oil Company will estimate your annual oil bill and divide it into 10 to 12 equal payments. At the end of the payment period you will have to pay any additional costs or be entitled to a refund if you over paid.

- Pay as you go - paying for each oil delivery within 30 days of invoice. Some companies mail invoice others invoice from the meter (delivery ticket). Late payments are subject to interest.

The Discount Oil Company offers: Little in the line of service. They will provide you with a list of independent service contractors.

These service contractors are made up of two completely different types of people. One is very honest and knowledgeable and supplies you with the best service available at a reasonable price (about the same as the Full Service Companies). The other group is made of people who could not keep a job with anyone else. Their prices usually appear to be less than the first group but end up higher more often than not. When you get an independent service contractor talk to him, also make sure that he is both licensed and insured. When you find a god service contractor keep him! Most good service contractors offer everything the Full Service Company offers with the possible exception of service contracts which is nothing more than an insurance policy on your heating system (insurance companies have to make money too).

Delivery options: - Call for oil - If you don't take the minimum oil delivery (usually 125 to 150 gallons) you pay extra.

- Automatic Delivery is a degree-day based delivery system so you don't run out of oil. And no minimum delivery charges.

A full line of payment options: - Pre-Pay - Paying all or part of your winters heating bill before the heating season. This gives you a discount on each gallon of fuel oil.

- Paying on Delivery (payment within ten days of delivery same as cash). This gives you a discount on each gallon of fuel oil.

- Some offer Fixed pricing as guaranteed price for the winter's fuel oil. This price is usually a couple of cents higher than the best estimates of the cost of the average winter's oil. You pay a little more if increase in oil prices is average but less if the price of oil goes way up. It's like an insurance policy, just remember that insurance companies make money too.

- Discounts for large tanks.

- Budget Accounts - The Oil Company will estimate your annual oil bill and divide it into 10 to 12 equal payments. At the end of the payment period you will have to pay any additional costs or be entitled to a refund if you over paid.

- Pay as you go - paying for each oil delivery within 30 days of invoice. some companies mail invoice others invoice from the meter (delivery ticket). Late payments are subject to interest.

There doesn't seem to be a big difference between the two types of oil companies other than going to an independent contractor for service. The quality of the fuel is the same, most Full Service and Discount Oil Companies buy their oil from the same places. The only difference is the cost of fuel which in some areas usually runs higher for the Full Service Company.

Black Soot around my radiators and/or baseboard (or hot air vents). Where is it coming from?

This problem usually has nothing to do with the heating system. However, you should have your system checked so it may be eliminated as a possible cause. This soot is usually from candles, cigarettes, cooking or other outside influences. This soot floats around the room and the natural convection of the air around the heating elements allows this soot to plate out on the wall above the baseboard or radiator.

About Us: DtiCorp.com carries more than 35,000 HVAC products, including industrial, commercial and residential parts and equipment from Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Robertshaw, Jandy, Armstrong and more. Our online catalog is easy to navigate and search, and all products have a picture and a description. If a customer has any questions about a product, they can call and speak with one of our product experts. Our mission is to offer the best prices anywhere to our customers.

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