Now that summer is here, you likely won't be using your heating oil system for a few months. However, that doesn't mean you can ignore it until autumn. Andersen Oil Company, a respected home heating oil delivery service, provides the following summer maintenance checklist. This information should help you keep your system in good shape for winter.

A Home Heating Oil System Checklist for Summer

Replace Filters

The filters clean the air circulating through your house and remove dust particles, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. When they're dirty, they inhibit airflow, which causes your furnace and blower to work harder than necessary. The extra wear and tear could shorten system life and lead to expensive repairs. Avoid this by replacing the filter once now, and again every 60 to 90 days during periods of use. Change them more frequently if you smoke or have pets.

Remove Soot & Scale

Soot and scale are byproducts of combustion that build up on the walls of your system. They act as insulators that prevent heat transfer and reduce furnace or boiler efficiency. To avoid fuel waste, you should have your system professionally cleaned every year or two and have the soot and scale removed.

Fill Your Fuel Tank

Due to the laws of supply and demand, heating oil is typically less expensive during the summer months. Take this opportunity to fill your tank at bargain prices instead of waiting until winter when fuel is at a premium.

Add Oil Treatment

To keep your system in tip-top shape, add an oil treatment product to your tank. It eliminates moisture, cleans out sludge, reduces smoke emissions, and makes it easier to restart the furnace or boiler next fall.

The checklist above should help you keep your oil heating system safe and healthy during the off-season, so it gives you no trouble next fall and winter. To schedule home heating oil delivery from the most reliable service in Connecticut, contact Andersen Oil Company. They have been serving communities throughout the region, including Ledyard, Franklin, Waterford, and Groton, for more than 30 years. Visit their website to view their service area or call them at (860) 464-7628 to discuss delivery options.