Written on: August 30, 2022
For generations, heating oil has been the go-to choice for those in the Finger Lakes Region and Western New York when it comes to staying warm indoors. Even with other options available, many people still prefer heating oil.
Why is this the case, you might wonder? There are a number of reasons behind it! Heating oil is less expensive, on average, than other fuels and heats your home faster than any other energy source. Heating oil delivery from Hometowne Energy is always reliable, so you never have to worry about your heat source like you would with natural gas or electric heating.
However, there is something else to think about when considering the use of heating oil: safety.
One of the safest home heating fuels is heating oil. Although it has the word “oil” in its name, it is not a direct fire hazard. Before being vaporized and combusted in your boiler or furnace, heating oil must be heated to at least 140°F.
Today’s heating oil tanks are another example of safety. They’re now manufactured with double-wall steel, as well as plastic and fiberglass, to ensure they are almost leakproof. Alarms that prevent the tank from being overfilled are being built in to minimize the risk of leaks.
Although oil-based heating systems and tanks are relatively safe, there are still some things you can do to ensure their optimal functioning.
Scheduling regular maintenance tune-ups with the qualified, experienced experts at Hometowne Energy can help you prevent problems before they start. Their comprehensive examination will find any potential issues and give them the opportunity to fix them before they create a hazard.
Our low-cost service plans include a tune-up as well as savings on repair services!
Between deliveries of heating oil, check your heating oil tank for signs of failure. Examine the tank for indications of impending failures, such as blisters on the paint, moisture on the outside of the tank that persists even after a heating oil delivery, and pinhole leaks. Get in touch with us if you see any of these to prevent a potentially dangerous and expensive heating oil tank failure.
Contact us as immediately if you see any oil on the floor or ground surrounding your tank.
A carbon monoxide leak is extremely unlikely to be caused by heating oil. They can, however, happen. That’s especially possible if your oil-powered heating equipment isn’t maintained properly. Contact Hometowne Energy right away if your boiler or furnace is producing black smoke or soot. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the house, including the basement, as well as outside all bedrooms. Test and change the batteries twice a year and replace the detectors every five years.
Become a Hometowne Energy customer for the most dependable heating oil delivery and service in the Finger Lakes and Western New York!