The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has released a pair of practical field tools designed to help liquid heating fuel technicians improve service quality, strengthen troubleshooting skills, and promote consistent maintenance practices.
The new resources include:
• Combustion Analysis Reference Chart – A quick-reference guide that helps technicians interpret combustion test results and identify corrective actions based on readings such as O₂, CO₂, excess air, draft, stack temperature, smoke, and carbon monoxide. An interactive web version is available here.
• Oil Burner Tune-Up Flow Chart – A step-by-step maintenance guide that walks technicians through the annual service process, from customer interview and system inspection through combustion testing, safety checks, documentation, and final verification.
Both of these tools are available to download and interactive web applications.
The tools were developed to complement NORA’s technician training programs and technical resources while providing practical support for technicians in the field. The charts are designed for use by experienced service professionals, new technicians entering the trade, vocational education programs, and instructors delivering NORA certification training.
“Technicians are expected to diagnose increasingly sophisticated heating equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” said Robert O’Brien, NORA’s Director of Education. “These new tools provide a clear, visual approach to combustion analysis, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting that can help technicians work more effectively and confidently.”
The new charts build upon the technical principles presented throughout NORA’s Technician Manual and Learning Resource Center, including proper combustion testing, annual maintenance procedures, and systematic service diagnostics. NORA training materials emphasize that preventive maintenance remains one of the most important services performed by heating professionals, contributing to safety, efficiency, reliability, and cleanliness.