Residential and commercial heating oil undergoes the same crude oil refinement processes as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and jet fuel. Whether you recently moved to a home that uses heating oil or you’re considering switching to this energy source, you should learn more about it before contacting your local fuel company about deliveries. You may be surprised by the benefits.

What to Know About Home Heating Oil

Is heating oil safe?

Heating oil has to vaporize in order to ignite in your furnace, making it one of the safest fuel sources available. It is not explosive nor are the fumes fatal because the carbon monoxide content is low. Additionally, furnaces that use heating oil display warning signs like soot and smoke when there’s a problem. Not all heating systems provide warning signals like these, making heating oil a uniquely safe option.

What are some other benefits?

In addition to contributing to a safe home, heating oil burns cleaner than ever to reduce your household carbon footprint, as it contains far less sulfur than it did in the 1970s. It’s also more efficient and cost-effective than the alternatives, burning 140,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per gallon compared to natural gas, which burns 100,000 BTUs per gallon.

How big is my tank?

Residential oil tanks are typically 275 gallons; however, some drums hold 225, 330, 550 or 1,000 gallons. There are also homes with two connecting tanks that store 550 gallons of fuel. If you’re uncertain how much oil your home currently has, check the inches of fuel in the tank or look at the gauge device.

What do I need to know about tank maintenance?

If your tank is above ground, check it periodically for damages such as dents, rust, and cracks, as well as signs of tilting or settling. Underground tanks are harder to keep up with; however, you can still check the tank site for signs of leaks and rust. Contact your fuel company if you suspect a leak or any other damage requiring professional servicing. 

 

Get heating oil delivered to your home by Best Oil, the fuel company serving Waterbury, CT, and the surrounding areas since 1936. Also specializing in natural gas, diesel fuel, and propane deliveries, you’ll enjoy dedicated service from this family-owned company. Call (203) 574-4050 today to set up a delivery schedule or visit the fuel company online for more product and service information.