The heating oil delivery process might be unfamiliar to new customers. With a reliable oil delivery company on your side, you can be sure that the process is quick and straightforward as long as your system is in excellent working condition. They will guide you through every step of the delivery, so you do not have to worry. There might be a few things you do not fully understand, such as why your tank is emitting a whistling sound during the delivery. However, do not panic as the oil tank vent alarm makes the sound.
This article includes an in-depth discussion of the sound and why it is vital to heating oil systems.
Where Is The Oil Tank Sound Coming From?
Heating oil is delivered to homes through storage tanks in large trucks. Your heating system is connected to these tanks so that delivery can begin. The low oil supply in your tank means that there is more air inside. During the refill, the air is pushed out by the oil. Your tank has an oil tank vent alarm in place, and this is where the whistling sound is coming from. The sound is generated as the air passes through it and out of your fuel oil tank. It is a vital signal that is audible enough to be heard back to the delivery truck.
When Will The Whistling Sound Stop?
The whistling will not stop while there is still air escaping out of the vent pipe and passing through the vent alarm. Once the tank is full, the sound will stop because no more air needs to flow out. The delivery personnel will have to stop the oil flow from the truck manually. As this is the case, there needs to be a reliable indication that it is time to stop the delivery process. Keep in mind that each home is equipped with differently-sized tanks. It can also be incredibly challenging to determine the size if the tank is underground. With the oil tank vent alarm on hand, knowing the tank’s size is unnecessary as the whistling will signal when the tank is full, and it’s time to stop the refill.
Why Is An Oil Tank Alarm Vital?
The vent alarm should be in tiptop shape at all times because refilling heavily relies on it. As a result, many heating oil companies stipulate that a refill cannot commence if the tank does not have a whistle. They will conduct a short test to determine this by letting the liquid flow through your tank. This will trigger the whistling immediately. If no sound is heard, they will stop the refill as soon as possible. Without this signal, the delivery person would not know when they need to stop the refill. This is dangerous as the oil might end up spilling throughout your home and property. This is a safety measure many oil delivery companies have put in place.
What If There Is No Sound During My Home Heating Oil Delivery?
There are several possible reasons for the lack of whistling sound during heating oil deliveries. Here are some of them:
- No Connection: There could be no tank connected to the pipes. This is unusual, but it is a possible occurrence. For example, you might be a new homeowner, and the tank might have been excavated without you knowing. It could also be that the connection to your tank has been severed.
- Oil Tank Isn’t Sealed Properly: There might be an opening somewhere that is allowing air to escape. The air should flow in one direction only. This is via the vent pipe as this will trigger the whistling sound. Ensure the tank is sealed correctly and that all holes are taken care of for the refilling to continue.
- Blocked Vent Pipe: The vent pipe can get blocked. Insects might be building their nests inside and are blocking the airflow. These need to be removed as restricting the airflow can build up pressure. This intense pressure can eventually cause interior tank damages.
- Dirty Whistle: The vent alarm might also be clogged. Insects might have crawled in the holes, or dust and dirt might have gotten caught inside. The whistle needs to be cleaned so that air can pass properly. This way, the necessary sound is produced, and the refilling can begin.
The oil companies that the Better Home Heat Council can connect you with will conduct a quick tank check if there is no whistling sound. A licensed technician can also visit so that all necessary repairs and replacements are done immediately. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about our home heating oil delivery services.
Contact The BHHC To Connect With A Local Oil Dealer
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.