When purchasing a new home, many buyers look at the structure of the house, the condition of different fixtures, and, of course, the price. One feature that’s often overlooked is the house’s fuel system. Houses in the U.S. are generally heated by gasoline, natural gas, propane, or heating oil. Oil heating is a popular choice in the Northeast and offers great fuel efficiency. Before you choose a home that’s dependent on oil heating, however, there are certain things you should know about this type of fuel.

Continue reading below as the team from Best Oil Inc. in Waterbury, CT, lists a few things to keep in mind when you purchase a home powered by heating oil.

Things You Should Know When Purchasing a Home With Oil Heating

1. This Type of Oil Is Generally Safe

Heating oil is considered to be a safe source of fuel. This type of fuel is stored as a liquid rather than a pressurized gas, which eliminates the risk of combustion. It is also non-flammable, and a lit match will burn out when dropped in the fuel. There is a low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and there is little to no soot or odor when your oil heating system is functioning properly.

2. Your Tank Can Be Above- or Below-Ground

Before you move in, speak to your realtor or the previous owner regarding the location of the fuel oil tank. Your tank can be above-ground or in-ground. The type you have will affect how much oil your tank can hold and how well it will store over long periods.

3. Delivery Options Are Available

The fuel tank will have to be refilled on a routine basis to keep your home furnace and water heater functioning as needed. Most homeowners set up an automated delivery service with their heating oil company, which remotely measures the amount of fuel in your tank and how often it needs to be refilled. You can also monitor these levels on your own by checking the gauges on your tank.

4. External Factors Can Affect Prices

The price of heating oil is constantly changing. During the summer, when demand is low, the prices are low as well. However, once the colder weather arrives, prices tend to spike. It is important to keep this mind and time your purchase accordingly.

If you have recently purchased a home that uses oil heating, and you need to schedule fuel delivery, then contact Best Oil Inc. at (203) 574-4050. For information on other services including furnace cleaning and propane delivery, visit their website today.