Many American homeowners, particularly in the Northeastern United States, choose heating oil to keep their residential spaces warm and safe during the winter. It offers high-efficiency at a low cost. Not to mention, it is also convenient and has a steady supply. Heating oil can be purchased in large quantities and stored in oil tanks. This way, you do not have to worry about running out. Most even get more than needed just to be on the safe side. This usually results in having excess oil at the end of the cold season.
The life expectancy of heating oil is often a common query among homeowners. They usually wonder whether or not it will expire. If it will, then should the oil be removed? What is heating oil lifespan?
What Affects Heating Oil Lifespan?
This article shares with you some of the things that will affect the use of your heating oil. This way, you can determine what to do when you have leftover oil after winter.
Heating Oil Storage
Heating oil can be stored in your oil tank for a maximum of two years without any problems. As a matter of fact, it can even last for up to ten years if stored in ideal conditions. Heating oil is a stable liquid compared to natural gas or its other counterparts. You can rest easy knowing that it doesn’t break down quickly. You don’t have to worry as long as your oil tank is in excellent shape. Most oil tanks installed in homes can store over two hundred gallons of oil. Therefore, it is pretty common that many residential oil tanks have leftover oil after the cold season ends. This can be used for domestic hot water or just stored and to be used for when the temperature drops again.
How Weather Affects Fuel Oil
The weather in the region you live in can impact the oil’s condition. If you live in a place with frigid temperatures, then there is a chance that the liquid can thicken. The paraffin in the oil causes it to harden and separate when the temperature drops below 15 degrees. The liquid turns gel-like, making it hard for it to flow freely. This can be an issue as the heating oil passes through small pipes to get inside your house. Fortunately, the coagulation can be undone as the paraffin will melt when the oil is placed in a warmer environment.
Oil Tank
Where you store the heating oil is also an essential part of how long it will last. The tank needs to be structurally-sound. Its installation needs to be perfect so that you get the most out of your heating oil tank. Most oil tanks are placed above the ground. This means they can be exposed to the elements. It is, therefore, vital that all sides are enclosed so that it doesn’t deteriorate as time passes.
Tanks that are installed underground can also be affected by degradation. The exterior can rust, and this will result in holes. This can lead to issues such as substances like water and other pollutants that can get inside the tank. The leftover oil can get contaminated this way. In turn, it’ll go bad as there are bacteria present. Sludge will begin to appear, and it’ll soon take over the tank. Make sure your oil tank is in excellent condition at all times, as it can affect how long your heating oil will last.
Oil Smell
Taking a peek into your tank can be a challenging task. It is too dark to see anything inside the small openings. To check the heating oil, dip a long stick into the opening and pull it out carefully. You should be able to assess the oil that has stuck onto the stick. This way, you can tell if the oil is still good or not.
Another way to determine this is by the oil’s smell. The sludge-forming bacteria give off a foul odor. Therefore, if your heating oil smells bad, then it is a tell-tale sign that something bad is going on your heating oil. To assess this, take the cap off and take a quick whiff. The oil should still smell the same as it did when the oil supplier brought it to your home.
Conclusion
For all your heating oil concerns, it is best to contact an oil technician for expert assistance. The professional can help you determine if the condition of the remaining oil in your tank is still usable. An expert can also provide recommendations on how you can make sure that you receive the most out of your heating oil by ensuring optimum longevity.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.