What does "boiler efficiency" measure?

Boiler efficiency measures the effectiveness of a boiler in converting the energy input from fuel into useful thermal energy output. Specifically, it represents the ratio of useful energy output—such as steam or hot water that can be utilized for heating or other applications—to the total energy input, which includes the combustion energy from the fuel. This ratio is crucial because it gives an indication of how well the boiler is performing. A higher efficiency means that more of the input energy is being converted into useful energy rather than being lost as waste heat, thus optimizing fuel use and reducing operational costs.

Understanding boiler efficiency is vital for improving overall system performance and ensuring compliance with energy regulations. In contrast, the other options do not effectively represent the concept of boiler efficiency. For example, measuring the amount of water boiled per hour pertains to the output of the boiler rather than its efficiency. The total heat generated in the boiler refers to energy production but lacks the context of how much of that energy is effectively utilized. Duration of boiler operation does not provide any information about how efficiently the energy is being converted during that time. Therefore, the key focus of boiler efficiency is centered on the relationship between output and input energy.