A properly adjusted burner should burn clean and efficient. If you notice black smoke, soot around the exhaust, or heavy soot buildup on the heating coil, your burner needs attention.
Common Causes
- Dirty or worn fuel nozzle causing poor fuel atomization
- Incorrect air adjustment creating a fuel rich burn
- Low fuel pressure or a restricted fuel filter
- Weak electrodes or improper electrode gap
- Restricted burner airflow
- Poor quality or contaminated diesel/kerosene
- Repeated short burner cycles
Why It Matters
Soot acts like insulation around the heating coil. Even a relatively small buildup can reduce heat transfer, increase fuel consumption, raise exhaust temperatures, and eventually create burner or coil problems.
