What is the amount of combustion air needed to burn 1 gallon of fuel oil?

The correct amount of combustion air needed to burn 1 gallon of fuel oil is 1,540 cubic feet. This figure is derived from the stoichiometric calculations of combustion processes, which determine how much air is necessary to fully combust a specific volume of fuel to achieve complete combustion.

For fuel oil, the general rule of thumb is that approximately 14 to 15 cubic feet of air is required for every pound of fuel. Given that 1 gallon of fuel oil weighs about 7.2 pounds, the required combustion air can be calculated.

When this is assessed, the values align with industry standards and established computations, resulting in the conclusion that 1 gallon of fuel oil requires approximately 1,540 cubic feet of combustion air to ensure efficient and complete burning. This ensures that there’s enough oxygen for the combustion process to occur, thus minimizing emissions and enhancing efficiency.

Understanding this figure is essential for HVAC professionals, as it informs the design of combustion systems and ventilation requirements in residential and commercial applications.