Heating oil is a popular home heating solution thanks to its affordability, efficiency, and safety. During the winter, homeowners understandably wish to be well-stocked with heating oil to stay warm throughout the course of the season. As a result, those with larger fuel tanks may wonder if any excess heating oil can go bad. Here’s what you need to know.

Heating Oil’s Life Span

In general, heating oil is expected to last between 18 and 24 months, in part thanks to the sludge-preventing additives put in by most fuel providers. After this time, the oil can degrade and lose efficiency. However, this life span should be more than enough for most homeowners. 

The average heating oil tank holds approximately 275 gallons of fuel. Heating oil usage is largely determined based on outdoor temperatures and the household’s energy consumption habits. Most Alaska residents will use more than 275 gallons of fuel to keep their home warm during the long winter, making scheduled refills essential, and worries about degrading fuel a non-issue.

Additional Factors to Consider

While heating oil will typically have a lengthy life span, there are a few factors that can cause it to degrade or go bad quickly. This primarily comes down to the quality of the tank where heating oil is being stored. 

A clean fuel tank is essential for efficient heating oil. Any contaminants inside the storage tank, including paint, rust, water, or other types of fuel, can cause serious issues for your fuel supply. This most often occurs with an older tank that has become corroded. Residential tanks have a life expectancy of around 15 to 20 years, so if yours is approaching this age, it may be time for a replacement.

Problems can also occur when the storage tank is not sealed properly, which allows bacteria to enter the system and degrade the oil.

Whether you need heating oil or other petroleum products, you can depend on Alaska Petroleum. Based in North Pole, their fleet of 25 vehicles and team of experienced technicians have provided convenient deliveries and affordable pricing since 1981. To learn more about their fuel delivery services, visit them online or call (907) 488-2575.