As the days get longer, and the weather gets warmer, the last thing on your mind is getting a fill up for your oil tank. After all, you’re not going to be using your home heating again until October at the earliest, right? Getting the yard ready for barbecuing, spring cleaning, and checking your AC system all seem like bigger priorities.
It may sound crazy to make sure you have a tank of fuel before the start of the long, hot summer, but we have a few smart reasons to request a heating oil delivery in the spring. It could help ensure your home and your equipment stays safe.
Fuel tanks are built to last, but like everything, they’ll last longer if you take care of them. Keeping your fuel tank full over the summer will extend its life. How? When a heating oil tank sits empty, the condensation that forms will result in all kinds of problems.
Condensation is water, and when that water drips down, it sinks to the bottom of the tank because it’s denser than heating oil. There, it becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Over time, it turns into sediment or sludge that can get into your fuel lines and clog them up. This will cause your heating system to shut down—likely next winter—when you’re counting on it most. Sludge can also corrode your tank from the inside out, which is a big problem that could be difficult to see coming…and costly to remediate.
Of course, in the winter, your tank doesn’t stay empty long. And condensation is less likely to form in colder temperatures. But in summer, especially if your tank is outside, condensation will form quickly.
If you have a full tank in the fall, you won’t have to fight for a convenient heating oil delivery appointment when everyone else is trying to get their first delivery, too. You’ll also be ready for an early cold snap, as they do all too often here in Long Island.
We’ll also suggest you get your heating system tune-up in the spring. Not only will you have your choice of appointments, but the benefits won’t wear off over the summer. Of course, if you’re signed up for our Gold Service Plan, your tune-up is included—and you get automatic deliveries, so we’ll make sure you’re topped off for the summer!
One last thought: Filling up your tank to protect it from failing is a much better investment than paying for cleaning up an oil spill and a new tank—and the oil to then refill it. Running low on fuel? Contact us today. We’ll be happy to help.