Heating oil is an efficient and affordable fuel. However, like any combustible material, it should be treated with caution and care. To avoid problems and dangers in a home where heating oil is your primary furnace fuel, follow the safety tips below.

Your Guide to Heating Oil Safety 

1. Keep the Tank Full

One of the biggest furnace-related dangers in Upstate New York is the risk of your fuel running out during the coldest months of the year. This could be inconvenient and even lethal, especially if you have no alternative place to stay. During the first decade of this century, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported an average of 1,300 deaths per year due to hypothermia, so don't take any chances in the cold weather and top off the tank regularly.

2. Inspect the Tank After Storms

Harsh weather can damage an outdoor tank and result in leaks or other problems. Always take a few minutes to inspect the tank and check for damage after high winds, blizzards, hail, or other winter storms. Check the ground below it for pools of oil, and inspect the seams for other signs of leakage. Examine the gauge to see if it’s working properly. If the gauge reading seems incorrect, measure the depth of the fuel manually by unscrewing the fuel cap counterclockwise and inserting a clean dowel or broom handle until it hits the bottom. Remove it and measure the amount of fuel clinging to the stick. 

3. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Any type of fuel combustion has a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) being released. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly in large quantities. In the initial stages, it causes flu-like symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. A carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm if it detects CO in concentrated amounts. When this happens, open windows all the way to ventilate the house, call an HVAC professional for a furnace inspection, and seek medical treatment if you notice any symptoms.

When you need affordable rates on heating oil, contact Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY. They have been serving customers in and around Monroe County since 1901, and they have a long history of success and dependability. They carry home heating oil, kerosene, and other fuels to meet your needs. Visit their website to submit an information request or call (585) 244-4080 to schedule a fuel delivery.