What should you look at when a customer reports that their system is underfiring?

When addressing a customer's report of an underfiring system, it is essential to consider multiple factors that could contribute to the issue. Underfiring generally indicates that the burner is not providing enough heat output, which can stem from a variety of causes.

Firstly, examining the burner nozzle size is crucial because the nozzle controls the flow rate of fuel into the combustion chamber. If the nozzle is improperly sized or clogged, it can restrict fuel delivery, resulting in inadequate heating.

Next, the type of fuel being used is also important. Different types of fuel have varying energy contents, and using fuel that is not well-matched to the system can lead to inefficiencies and underfiring. For example, if a system is designed for a specific grade of oil and a lower-quality type is used, it may not combust efficiently.

Finally, the air-fuel mixture plays a pivotal role in combustion efficiency. An incorrect ratio of air to fuel can lead to poor combustion, increased emissions, and underfiring as the system may not reach the optimal burn temperature needed for effective heating.

Considering all these elements—burner nozzle size, fuel type, and air-fuel mixture—provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and resolving the underfiring issue, which is