Welcome to the Rural Energy "B" Glossary Terms!

Secondary heating source used in conjunction with the primary heating system, providing additional heat during periods of high demand or equipment failure.

A plate that sits in the top of the firebox, usually made from steel, or cast iron. Its purpose is to help keep heat in the firebox, reducing heat going up the flue / chimney. Combustion gases and smoke must flow around the plate before exiting the stove - this allows more time and higher heat for more thorough combustion, resulting in improved efficiency and cleaner burning. All modern stoves will have some sort of baffle plate. Often, they are loosely fitted to allow easy removal - so you can sweep the flue directly through the stove.

The outdoor temperature at which a building's heat loss equals its heat gain, indicating the point at which the heating system must operate to maintain indoor comfort.

A type of heating system installed along the baseboards or walls of a room, typically using convection to distribute heat.

Biomass refers to organic materials like plants, animal waste, and microorganisms used for renewable energy. It can be converted into heat, electricity, and biofuels through processes like combustion and fermentation. Biomass is renewable and serves as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in various industries.

A type of stovepipe commonly used for venting wood stoves, fireplaces, and other solid-fuel burning appliances. It is made of durable steel and features a black finish to withstand high temperatures and corrosion.

A mechanical device used to circulate air in heating systems, increasing airflow and distributing heat more efficiently.

Blower motors power the fan in a furnace. When furnaces don’t blow any air out, the blower motor is usually the cause

A blue flame in a Toyotomi oil heater indicates efficient combustion, clean burning, and safe operation due to the complete combustion of fuel, minimal emissions, and reduced risk of harmful gases.

A heating device that uses water or steam to generate heat, often used to provide central heating in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.

Chemical additives or processes used to prevent scale buildup, corrosion, and other issues in boiler systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.

The amount of heat required to change one pound of water by one degree is the BTU or British Thermal Unit.

In furnaces, burners create heat. After the ignition turns the unit, the burner makes heat for the furnace to warm the air through gas and air combustion. A burner introduces the mixture of fuel and air into an appliance at the desired rate per the specific Appliance requirements.

The efficiency of a burner in converting fuel into heat energy, determined by factors such as combustion efficiency, fuel-air ratio, and heat transfer.

A burner mat is a heat-resistant material installed at the bottom of the burner, aiding in heat distribution for consistent temperatures, stabilizing the flame for efficient fuel burn, and ensuring safe combustion.

A valve used in hydronic heating systems to regulate the flow of water, diverting it away from certain zones or components as needed.