Why You Should Always Keep Your Heating Oil Tank at Least Half Full
H
eating oil tanks are not complicated devices – certainly not as complicated as today’s high-tech boilers and furnaces – but they do require at least some TLC to run safely and reliably year after year.
The first and most obvious way to care for your heating oil tank is to have a Tank Sure inspection each year – preferably before or early on in the heating season. The second way? Keep your heating oil tank at least half full.
Why is it important to keep heating oil in your tank? Simple: a tank that contains more air than fuel will accumulate condensation (water) on its interior walls quickly as temperatures change.
This condensation creates two big problems for your heating oil tank: first, it creates a perfect environment for growing bacteria in your fuel, which will eventually transform your heating oil into a thick sludge that will jam your fuel lines and rob your system of efficiency. Second, accumulated moisture will eventually sink to the bottom of your tank (since water is heavier than oil) and corrode it from the inside out – a problem you won’t see coming until it’s too late.
The bottom line: Condensation is the natural enemy of your heating oil tank – and keeping your tank at least half full can help prevent it. Top off your tank now and it could prevent problems down the road. It could save you money, too, since pre-season heating oil prices are often lower than in-season prices, when heating oil demand and market prices are highest.
Need a heating oil delivery or Tank Sure inspection before our Maryland winter brings its worst? We can help! Contact Carroll Home Services today for more information, or to schedule your delivery or service.
