What is a consequence of soot and ash on fireside tubes?

The accumulation of soot and ash on fireside tubes can significantly impact the efficiency and performance of a heating system. When soot and ash build up on these surfaces, they create an insulating layer that hinders the effective transfer of heat. As a result, the heating system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to an increase in power requirements for the draft fan.

This increased resistance causes the fan to operate less efficiently, requiring more energy to move air through the system. As the draft fan uses more power, this can also lead to higher operational costs and possible mechanical strain on the equipment. The efficiency of combustion can be compromised, and in the long term, this added pressure on the fan can lead to premature wear or failure. Therefore, the impact of soot and ash on fireside tubes is directly related to the increased demand on the draft fan's power requirements.