Öljykattilat

Öljykattilat, or oil boilers, are heating appliances that burn heating oil to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout a building. They are a common form of central heating, particularly in older homes and in regions where natural gas is not readily available. The basic principle involves an oil burner atomizing heating oil into a fine mist, which is then ignited in a combustion chamber. The heat produced by this combustion is transferred to water, which circulates through a heating system, typically via radiators or underfloor heating.

The components of an oil boiler system include the boiler itself, a fuel tank to store heating oil, a fuel line connecting the tank to the boiler, an oil burner, a flue or chimney to vent exhaust gases, and a circulation pump to move the heated water. Modern oil boilers are often condensing boilers, which are more efficient as they recover heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be lost. This process involves cooling the exhaust gases to a point where water vapor condenses, releasing latent heat.

Maintenance is crucial for oil boilers to ensure efficient and safe operation. This typically includes annual servicing by a qualified technician to clean the burner, check for leaks, and ensure optimal combustion. While oil boilers have been a reliable heating solution for many years, their popularity has seen a decline in some areas due to rising oil prices, environmental concerns related to emissions, and the increasing availability of alternative heating sources like natural gas, heat pumps, and electric heating.