Who thinks about ordering heating oil in July? If you’re enjoying the endless days and balmy temperatures, you’re probably not giving much thought to your oil tank. In fact, it might seem nuts to schedule a heating oil delivery in the middle of summer…but hear us out! We’ve got three smart reasons to fill up your tank this month:
It’s true! When your heating oil tank sits at or near empty, condensation will begin to form on the interior walls. Because water is denser than heating oil, that water drips down and sinks to the bottom of the tank, where it becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms.
Over time, it turns into sediment or sludge that can corrode your tank from the inside out—a big problem that could be difficult to see coming and very costly to remediate.
Sediment and sludge that forms at the bottom of an empty tank can get into your fuel lines and clog them up. This will cause your heating system to shut down, likely early into the next winter season, when we’re in the middle of a deep freeze. You’ll need a potentially expensive emergency repair to de-gunk the lines.
Because your tank never stays empty for long in the winter, these issues typically don’t even have the chance come up. Plus, condensation is less likely to form in colder temperatures. But in summer, especially if your tank is located outside, condensation will form quickly.
How quickly do the lazy days of summer turn into the crazy, busy days of fall? Back to school, end of vacations, all those pre-winter chores. When your tank is full in the fall, you won’t have to fight for a convenient heating oil delivery appointment at the same time everyone else is trying to get a delivery. You’ll also be ready for those early cold snaps.
While you’re at it, schedule your heating system tune-up in the summer, too! Not only will you have your choice of appointments, but the benefits won’t wear off over the late summer.
Though fuel costs are up right now, 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 fill it.
Ready for a heating oil fill-up? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to get you scheduled.