What does oil burner efficiency measure?

Oil burner efficiency primarily measures the conversion of fuel to heat energy. This is a crucial aspect of oil burner operation, as it indicates how effectively the burner transforms the oil into usable heat for residential or commercial heating systems. High efficiency means that a greater proportion of the energy in the oil is utilized for heating, while minimizing losses. This is important not only for cost savings but also for environmental considerations, as more efficient use of fuel leads to lower emissions and reduced waste.

The other choices relate to different aspects of oil burner operation and performance. Cost-effectiveness of operation relates to the overall expenses incurred, including fuel costs and maintenance. The amount of soot produced indicates combustion quality, which can affect efficiency but isn’t a direct measurement of it. Speed of ignition refers to how quickly the burner starts operating, which is relevant to performance but does not directly pertain to efficiency. Therefore, while all factors are important in evaluating an oil burner, the most precise measure of an oil burner's performance in terms of energy utilization is the conversion of fuel to heat energy.