How Does Oil Heating System Work?

Introduction to the Home Heating Oil System

At Rix Petroleum, we understand how daunting and confusing it can be when first learning about oil fired central heating system. So, we have put together this page to give you the low-down on how everything works and comes together. If you can't find the information you're looking for, simply contact your local depot, and one of our friendly experts will be more than happy to help, from breaking down the oil heating system cost to explaining more about how oil heating system works.

You can learn about domestic heating oil here, including the history and benefits of this popular fuel. You may also wish to read our guide to heating oil prices, which explains the way oil is priced.

How Does Oil Heating System Work?

This is a common question we are asked by customers considering their home heating oil system.

It is as simple as this:

1. Hot exhaust gases pass through a heat exchanger, usually a copper coil, transferring energy to the water circulating through it. 
2. This hot water is then distributed throughout the house via radiators which consequently warm the rooms as appropriate. 
3. Although radiators remain hot, the boiler does not operate all the time. It switches on and off depending on the boiler water outlet temperature setting on the boiler and the room temperature where the thermostat is located. 
4. If the heating system is switched on water continually circulates throughout the boiler, heat exchanger and radiators extracting heat from the burning fuel.

An oil boiler will fire more regularly and use more fuel in colder weather to compensate for the additional heat lost through home walls, floor, windows, and roof etc. The energy used is proportional to the temperature differential between the house room temperature and the outside ambient temperature.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions about heating oil here.