If you depend on an oil furnace to warm your home, then it’s crucial to keep your tank in proper condition. Doing so is important not just for the system’s functionality and your family’s comfort, but also for your general safety. Here are a few basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Check the tank carefully.

Always inspect the residential oil tank carefully for signs of damage. The first area to check is the legs. Since they rest on the ground, they’re more vulnerable to issues like corrosion or buckling. Make sure the supportive brackets are in good condition, and inspect the surface of the tank as well. Perform both visual and tactile examinations to make sure that there are no unusual dents, warping areas, or moist spots. If you discover anything unusual, have your oil furnace technician check for leaks or broken components.

Schedule regular inspections.

It’s best to have an oil furnace technician inspect the full home heating system at least once every year. Try to schedule the inspection before winter so that you won’t have to deal with any unexpected downtime due to sudden failure or damage. By tackling those problems in advance, you can ensure that your home will remain comfortable throughout the season.

Don’t:

Leave an outdoor tank somewhere unsafe.

If you have an outdoor tank, make sure it’s in a safe location. Avoid placing it near large trees, for example, as heavy branches could fall during a storm and cause damage directly to the tank’s surface. Avoid wind zones as well, as those gusts could force branches from neighboring trees onto the tank. Consider cordoning off the tank so that there’s no danger of a lawnmower causing damage to its components.

Let a leaky tank prevent you from receiving an insurance payout.

In the unfortunate event of an accident caused by an oil heating system, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company. You can only do this, however, if you can show that you maintained your tank properly. If the reason for the accident was a leak that could have been prevented, your insurance company likely won’t issue a payout for the claim.

 

 

If you want to make sure your home’s oil tank stays in good condition, trust the professionals at Andersen Oil Company to provide you with the highest quality service. Serving Ledyard, CT, and the surrounding community for over 45 years, this family-owned business provides annual oil furnace cleaning, heating oil delivery, and boiler replacement. Visit them online to find out how they can help improve your heating system or call (860) 464-7628.