Trends in the Oil Heat System Technician trade
Technology
There are many advancements in oil heat system equipment. For example, programmable electronic controls that allow fine tuning of controls to match the system (e.g., pre-purge and post-purge). Outdoor reset / system reset controls monitor changes in water temperatures and differences with outdoor air temperature.
Due to the need for equipment to meet current industry standards, manufacturers are developing equipment with variable speed drives, controls and other technologies. Advancements in technology allow for more accurate monitoring and controlling of temperature, humidity, air quality, pressure, flow and occupancy.
Systems are more complicated than in the past and may require that oil heat system technicians be trained directly by the manufacturer to access system controls. Design has become significantly more crucial than before for ensuring correct, safe and efficient operation.
Some original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and control systems are not compatible with generic components and are not manufactured to be retrofitted or are not permitted by jurisdictional regulations to be used for retrofitting. Specialized manufacturer training or approval from the authority having jurisdiction (e.g., Canadian Standards Association [CSA], fuel safety authority) may be required.
There is a global mandate for sustainability and green technology resulting in improved control systems and heat transfer methods continuing to emerge and evolve. These include heat recovery systems, variable speed equipment and components, electronically commutated motors (ECM), multi-zone equipment, solid-state control systems, electronic control valves, and flow control valves for hydronic heating. Remote assisted technologies, such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI), may be introduced in the future to aid technicians.
Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance using the Internet of Things (IoT) or communication devices are becoming more widely incorporated in equipment.
Health and Safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial component of safety as jurisdictional and industry standards evolve for worker protection. Improved comfort and wearability allow PPE to be worn by an inclusive workforce when completing tasks.
Tools and Equipment
Smart tools that may be system-specific require manufacturer training to operate.
There are new tools and equipment for installing piping. Battery-powered tools such as powered threaders and press connect fitting tools assist in installing piping in a safer and more efficient manner.
There is an increased variety of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless probes such as pressure gauges, thermometers, hygrometers, vacuum gauges, temperature sensors, manometers, anemometers, and combustion analyzers that allow better logging, tracking and reporting of the results.
As systems evolve, specific tools to maintain and service components have become necessary. Multimeters, draft gauges, oil pressure and vacuum gauges, ignition testers, and electronic combustion analyzers are all examples of tools that are required by an oil heat system technician.
Products/Materials
90+% efficiency condensing appliances are becoming more common due to their improvements in efficiency. This is more cost-effective for customers and lowers emissions.
Environmental
Biofuels are increasingly being used for heating buildings. Biofuels are renewable and can be used to replace or supplement heating oil in oil-fired burners and other heating products with little or no modifications. Oil heat system technicians need specific training around biofuel applications and properties.
Legislative and Regulatory
A new edition of the CSA Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment (B139) was released in 2024. Adoption by each authority is expected in the years following.