Combustion Analysis and System Balancing (Certified)
Lightning Mechanical boiler and furnace technicians are trained and certified to perform combustion analysis and system balancing. Upon request, any technician we send over to check on and test incomplete combustion can present you their valid EPA Section 608 certification.
If you've never had your boiler or furnace system checked for combustion quality, it's time. The EPA states that having your oil-fired (or LP gas) boiler or furnace serviced at least once every year can significantly reduce the chance of accidents and prolong the life of your system. Call us today to schedule an inspection.
What is combustion analysis?
Combustion analysis is a diagnostics process for heating equipment that relies on burning things as a heat source. This includes gas-powered furnaces, oil-burning units, and wood-burning stoves. In a nutshell, incomplete combustion occurs when the fire doesn't burn hot enough or long enough to complete its job of burning up all fuel. This results in soot, smoke, and other harmful byproducts.
During combustion analysis, our certified technicians' assess system performance and combustion balance by testing and monitoring the following metrics:
- - Combustion chamber (burner) for optimum flame shape,
- - System cleanliness
- - Liquid and gas fuel flow efficiency
- - Oxygen supply for proper air/fuel ratio
- - Boiler pressure and temperature efficiency
- - Pump flow and boiler draft efficiency
- - Return oil pressure.
- - Exhaust efficiency
- - Carbon Monoxide levels
These are the most critical factors affecting your heating system's performance, safety, and efficiency. Your boiler or furnace can be damaged by constant poor combustion quality. Our technicians look for signs of incomplete combustion that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye, including:
- Black carbon deposits
- Unsafe carbon monoxide levels
- Blocked oil burners or nozzles
- Unusual smells around the unit, chimney, or flue.
Call us today to schedule an inspection if you notice any of these signs or have experienced other problems with your heating system's combustion quality. If it turns out that your heating system isn't performing as it should, our technicians can help you determine the source of the issue and provide a solution.
Cutting Edge Testing Tools
Lightning Mechanical has access to extensive training and education in using state-of-the-art combustion testing equipment. We invest in the latest tools to keep our technicians up-to-date on newly developed tools to meet constantly improving industry standards. In addition, we maintain a fleet of mobile testing units, allowing us to complete all necessary measurements and calculations right on site.
What is System Balancing?
System balancing is the process of making sure that all parts of your heating solution are working together as a whole. We can accomplish this by working on the following components:
- Pilot lights
- Thermocouples
- Control valves on older appliances
- Switches
- Exhaust systems
- Air balancing systems
Common fixes for system imbalance include:
- Cleaning of the burner chamber/combustion components to correct improper flame shape or color.
- Restoring system balance with nitrogen to ensure optimum combustion conditions throughout your system.
- Replacing faulty temperature sensors
Lightning Mechanical can provide you with an estimate on having your fuel-fired boiler or furnace inspected, cleaned, repaired, and adjusted for optimal system performance. We serve customers across the New York Tri-State area, including New Jersey, Southern Maine, and Northern Maryland.
Boilers and furnaces can be incredibly sensitive and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. After all, we are dealing with high temperatures, combustible materials, and high pressures. Safety must be the priority when performing combustion analysis or adjusting your heating system.
Strict procedures must be followed, or you might damage the equipment, building, or yourself. Stringent safety mandates require specialized tools and education to perform combustion analysis and system balancing safely and effectively.
As an energy conservation company dedicated to providing the best service possible for our customers, Lightning Mechanical offers combustion analysis as a service when we carry out any furnace or boiler tune-up. Our technicians are EPA Section 608 certified and will provide the best service possible the first time around, so you don't have to worry about having your system serviced again for another year.
Lightning Mechanical boiler and furnace technicians undergo training to perform a carbon monoxide safety check as part of their service. We automatically detect CO levels within the structure and provide a complete report of our findings along with a digital copy of all test results. If any CO levels are detected, we will present you with options to address the situation.
Your HVAC system should be equipped with carbon monoxide sensors, which should undergo testing at least once a year. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness and even death if allowed to accumulate in the structure undetected. The sensor will trigger a warning alarm if any dangerous levels of CO are detected.
Extra precautions should always be taken during the heating season because the furnaces start working hardest. Carbon monoxide is a natural byproduct of combustion, and on a well-maintained system, air balancing and adequate exhaust ensure it remains at safe levels.
Carbon Monoxide Safety tips
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous combustion product, but you don't need specialized training or certification to maximize your safety.
If you notice signs of carbon monoxide contamination in your home or workplace (mild headaches, nausea, poor sleep), immediately ventilate the room and seek medical attention.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning (high levels of headache, nausea, vomiting), call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
We encourage our customers to take an active role in maintaining their equipment to reduce the risk of untimely breakdowns. We take pride in sharing our knowledge and promoting HVAC system education. If you are interested in any service whatsoever, please feel free to ask questions about our certifications, processes, and what we do here at Lightning Mechanical.