It's not too often homeowners think about the condition of their oil tanks.  With so many things around the house to keep tabs on, that oil tank down in the basement is often times forgotten.  It's recommended to inspect your oil tank at least once per year.  There is a law that Massachusetts has in place to address oil leaks from home heating systems (Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008, as most recently amended in 2010). This law has two major provisions that require:

• The installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices AND
• Insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Most insurance policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many homeowners responsible to foot the hefty cleanup bill themselves. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies make this coverage available by July 1, 2010 to homeowners whose systems are upgraded, the insurance is an optional purchase.  Paying now to upgrade from a leaking tank and installing the proper valve/sleeve can possibly save you LOTS of money in the future.  Clean up costs for a small leak CAN cost up to $15,000 and more extensive leaks, ones that have contaminated groundwater can cost upwards of $250,000.  

A checklist to follow when inspecting your tank is provided below:

•   Are the tank and all portions of the system free from any leaks?
  
• Does the tank meet either Underwriters Laboratory 80 or 142 standards (Typically indicated by a sticker or stamped label)?
  
•   Are the tank and all supports free from significant rust and corrosion?
•   Is the tank set on a one-piece concrete pad or concrete floor?
•   Are the tank legs in good condition? Are they bent or causing the tank to lean?
•    If outdoors, is the tank on the gable end of the building or otherwise protected from roof ice and snow damage?
•   If outdoors, is the filter covered or otherwise adequately protected?
•   Is the supply line continuously plastic-coated copper from the tank to the furnace with no unions or splices?
• ​  Is the inside diameter of the vent pipe at least 1.25 inches and equal to or larger than the fill pipe?​
•   Does the tank have a working sight gauge and vent whistle (An audible device to warn the oil delivery person that the tank is full)?
• ​Is the vent pipe clean of any obstructions?  Often times insects or other debris can build up on the underside of your vent cap, preventing a proper whistle from sounding.  
• Are both the fill and vent lines fitted with proper caps?
  

Ever wonder what exactly is going on when you turn up your thermostat or when you hear your furnace kick on?  When heating with oil, your home will be equipped with one of these three systems:  Forced hot water, by means of baseboard, steam which utilizes radiators, or warm air which would be blown through vents. The thermostat works by sensing when the room temperature falls below the set temperature. Once that happens a signal  will be sent to your heating system to turn on.  Once engaged, oil travels from your tank into the burner.  As the fuel and air mixture is injected into your burner it is then ignited in the combustion chamber.  For heating that uses water, there will be either a cast iron or steel boiler where the water is heated.  From there it will be circulated through your baseboards or, in the steam system, heated up and turned into steam to then go through your radiators.  With warm air, instead of heating water, your furnace simply heats air which is then dispersed through your home by means of a blower.  Your chimney is the last step of this process.  Emissions caused from the  combustion process is then emitted through a flue vent right out your chimney.   Keep in mind that with today's ultra low sulfur fuel oil we are leaving a smaller footprint than ever before all while efficiently and cost effectively heating our homes.  

Even though prices are the lowest they have been in quite some time, saving money and conserving is always a good thing!
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HEAT SAVING TIPS: 

• Get your  heating system tuned up — it will ensure you get the maximum performance out of every drop of heating oil burned. 
• Open shades and drapes when the sun is out to help warm your home. Close them when the sun goes down to reduce heat loss through drafty windows. 
• Turn down the thermostat at night and when you are away from home; even slightly lowering your thermostat during the day may save you up to two percent on your heating bill. 
• Insulate pipes to guard against heat loss and to prevent them from freezing. 
• Stop heat loss by eliminating any gaps between your door and threshold. Use a seal that can be attached to the bottom of the door – it should brush up against the threshold to fill any gap. 
• Caulk or re-caulk exterior spaces between the windows and walls of your home. 
• Close your kitchen vent, fireplace damper and closet doors, and remove, cover or close air conditioning units and vents when not in use. 
• Do not place furniture in front of radiators; it will block heat from circulating.

Learn more about general oil information on our FAQs page