What is a key method to minimize on-cycle heat loss?

Minimizing on-cycle heat loss is essential for improving efficiency and maintaining a comfortable environment. Adjusting the burner properly is a key method because it ensures the combustion process is optimized. When the burner is calibrated correctly, it achieves better fuel-to-air ratios, allowing for more efficient combustion and reducing the amount of excess heat escaping during the heating cycle. This optimization leads to higher efficiency in heating oil or gas systems and minimizes energy waste, enhancing overall system performance.

In contrast, merely replacing the heating unit may not address the specific issues of on-cycle heat loss and does not guarantee a more efficient operation if the new unit is not set up correctly. Increasing the thermostat setting can lead to higher energy consumption without necessarily improving efficiency, as it may increase the temperature fluctuations and lead to more cycling of the unit. Installing new ductwork primarily addresses issues related to distribution efficiency rather than focusing specifically on the combustion process itself and its role in on-cycle heat loss. Therefore, proper adjustment of the burner stands out as the most effective immediate method for reducing such losses and improving overall system efficiency.