EMA Journal • PMAA Journal Fall 2018 • Oilheat Update

In reauthorizing the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) in 2014, Congress established that NORA should increase its efforts to develop new technology. As a result, NORA has significantly increased its budget for research and has now established a laboratory dedicated to oilheat research. To provide for success, NORA works carefully with every part of the industry including manufacturers, researchers, technicians, and oilheating service and delivery companies.

Ongoing research and development work has and will continue to expand fuel performance, add critical new appliances, broaden applications and deliver real consumer value.

That said, NORA updated its popular Fuel Savings Analysis (FSA) Calculator, a unique tool that accurately predicts the real fuel savings when upgrading an oil-fired heating appliance. A technician or salesperson can use the FSA to accurately compare predicted fuel use for an existing appliance against several new appliance options. The FSA goes beyond the often unreliable AFUE, as it takes into consideration advanced data from the appliance, building and location to show real savings potential.

The new FSA 2.1 has added several new categories including: steam boilers dating back to pre-1965, pre-1990 furnaces, the ability to select estimated furnace efficiency ratings and a more robust comparison report.

The FSA has always offered the only true way to accurately predict fuel savings when upgrading to a new oil-fired appliance. Version 2.1 is the next natural step in making FSA more accurate and versatile. With the FSA, homeowners can see the real fuel and money savings benefits to upgrading their furnace or boiler.

As with the previous versions, FSA 2.1 is cloud-based and accessible on any internet-enabled device with an enhanced mobile-friendly interface making it particularly useful in the field. It has a database of location and temperature data, two modes (Simple and Advanced, appropriate for the skill level of the user), multiple upgrade options to show consumers several equipment presets for ease of use.

Developing new technologies is critical to the future success of the industry and to providing full value to oilheating consumers. Using new approaches, better control strategies and evaluating all possibilities to improve efficiency of units has led to the development of the next-generation combination system. It is hoped that this FSA Calculator will be an easy way for consumers to improve the efficiency of homes.