Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

What indicates that a forced-air heating system is fueled by oil?

1. Presence of a flue pipe

2. Existence of a barometric damper

3. Use of electric ignition

4. Absence of external ventilation

The correct answer is: Existence of a barometric damper

The existence of a barometric damper indicates that a forced-air heating system is fueled by oil. In oil-fired heating systems, a barometric damper is installed as a safety feature that helps regulate airflow and draft. It is designed to maintain proper combustion efficiency and prevent backdrafts that could allow exhaust gases to enter the living space. The presence of a flue pipe is common in many types of heating systems, not just oil, as it serves to vent exhaust gases. Electric ignition is typically associated with gas-fired systems, where a spark or heating element ignites the gas. The absence of external ventilation does not specifically indicate an oil-fueled system, as various heating systems may have different ventilation requirements based on the type of fuel used and the design of the appliance. Thus, the presence of a barometric damper is a distinctive characteristic that signals the use of oil as a fuel source in a forced-air heating system.