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Condensing oil boiler smoke

  • 05-02-2021 01:38PM
    #1
    Cole
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭


    As far as I'm aware, white smoke is good, black smoke is bad. Now sorry to be picky, but I presume white doesn't mean 'pure' white.

    The boiler gives out those plumes of smoke when it's doing its boost/cycle, but I wouldn't say white smoke...more light grey and no smell of oil. Is this normal or is it a sign that there's an issue? It's a Grant Vortex (approx. 10 years old) and I got it serviced during the summer when it was pretty obvious...black smoke and smell of oil.

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    Wearb
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,478 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wearb


    What were the the combustion figures like from that service?

    Post a short video so we can comment.

    At 10 years you should know the difference between normal and abnormal plume. Is there any sign of blackening on flue terminal, guard or wall?


  • #3
    Cole
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Cole


    Wearb wrote: »
    What were the the combustion figures like from that service?

    Post a short video so we can comment.

    At 10 years you should know the difference between normal and abnormal plume. Is there any sign of blackening on flue terminal, guard or wall?

    It's actually my (elderly) parents boiler...don't have much info to hand. Any general guidance on this?


  • #4
    jimf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,991 ✭✭✭jimf


    not very technical

    but as a rule the plume from a boiler will disperse fairly fast while smoke will hang around a little longer

    as wearb said above the print out from the service would tell us a lot

    sorry to say a lot of different levels of service out there


  • #5
    Wearb
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,478 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wearb


    Cole wrote: »
    It's actually my (elderly) parents boiler...don't have much info to hand. Any general guidance on this?
    I'd ask the regular service guy to have a look. He will charge very little to just look at the plume.


  • #6
    Cole
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Cole


    jimf wrote: »
    not very technical

    but as a rule the plume from a boiler will disperse fairly fast while smoke will hang around a little longer

    as wearb said above the print out from the service would tell us a lot

    sorry to say a lot of different levels of service out there
    Wearb wrote: »
    I'd ask the regular service guy to have a look. He will charge very little to just look at the plume.

    Thanks for the replies. The plume v smoke thing sounds about right for theirs.

    As for combustion figures and printouts, none of that last time I'm afraid...used a crowd that offer general services because there were a couple of other bits and pieces needed to be done (electrics etc.) and because their usual boiler guy let them down. I think they did the job okay, but I'm guessing not the best available...sort it our properly next time.


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  • #7
    Wearb
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,478 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wearb


    Wearb wrote: »
    What were the the combustion figures like from that service?

    Post a short video so we can comment.

    At 10 years you should know the difference between normal and abnormal plume. Is there any sign of blackening on flue terminal, guard or wall?[/QUOTE]
    Above?


  • #8
    Cole
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Cole


    Wearb wrote: »
    Wearb wrote: »
    What were the the combustion figures like from that service?

    Post a short video so we can comment.

    At 10 years you should know the difference between normal and abnormal plume. Is there any sign of blackening on flue terminal, guard or wall?[/QUOTE]
    Above?

    I'm not aware of any obvious blackening anywhere, but their flue is on the roof of a concrete boiler shed, so the plume/smoke is just emitting out like a roof chimney...if you know what I mean...so you're seeing the plume/smoke against the white/grey clouds. That's why I thought it's never going to look really white. The only thing causing them a little concern is the colour of the plume/smoke...and maybe the amount.


  • #9
    Wearb
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,478 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wearb


    Cole wrote: »
    Wearb wrote: »

    I'm not aware of any obvious blackening anywhere, but their flue is on the roof of a concrete boiler shed, so the plume/smoke is just emitting out like a roof chimney...if you know what I mean...so you're seeing the plume/smoke against the white/grey clouds. That's why I thought it's never going to look really white. The only thing causing them a little concern is the colour of the plume/smoke...and maybe the amount.
    Doesn't sound too bad then. I'd still ask the (a) service guy to have a look.



    Advise them to ask if service includes a combustion printout before booking next service. It's a good boiler and well worth looking after.


  • #10
    Cole
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Cole


    Wearb wrote: »
    Cole wrote: »
    Doesn't sound too bad then. I'd still ask the (a) service guy to have a look.



    Advise them to ask if service includes a combustion printout before booking next service. It's a good boiler and well worth looking after.

    Thanks. I'm guessing it's okay, but yeah best to have someone have a look for peace of mind.


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