Potential energy savings in residential oil-fired heating systems in the U.S.

Abstract

Studies of the performance of residential oil-fired heating systems in the New England area from 197A-1977 demonstrated that significant energy savings are achievable through better maintenance and simple system modifications. These studies showed that annual tune-up of the furnace or boiler would Improve the seasonal efficiency of most units, while considerable energy savings are possible by reducing the firing rate of the burner. Reduction in nozzle size with burner modification or with the installation of a new flame retention burner was found to reduce oil consumption substantially. In addition, more innovative equipment modifications such as the use of stack dampers, sealed combustion systems, and heat recovery devices also resulted in fuel savings, although to a lesser extent. Both experimental field data and results from computer simulations of furnace performance are presented.

Performance and selection criteria for mechanical energy saving retrofit options for single-family residences

“…[46] estimates that for water 50°C (90°F) warmer than room terperature, insulating pipes leaving water heaters can save energy at the rate of 4 Figure 6.) Another advantage to using a separate storage tank has been reported in (47) which involved a field study of residential oil fired heating systems in New England.…”

“…Another set of criteria for replacing oil burners is given in (47) Katzman and Monat [25] obtained oil savings of 6.6% with four flue-gas heat reclaimer devices in houses using oil-fueled burners. Three of the devices were commercial "heat pipes", and one a homemade air-to-air heat exchanger.…”