Should I Fill My Oil Tank in the Spring?
Three Key Reasons Why a Fill-Up is a Good Idea
Considering that 2023 brought with it a relatively mild winter here in Connecticut, you may not be giving your furnace much thought in the weeks to come. However, there are several important reasons why scheduling a heating oil delivery now—in early spring—is a smart idea.
1. Protect Your Fuel Tank
While modern fuel tanks are built to last, like everything, they’ll last longer if you take care of them. Keeping your fuel tank full over the summer will help to extend its life. After all, when your heating oil tank sits empty, condensation can form. That can result in all kinds of problems.
For starters, when condensation forms on the interior walls of an empty tank, that water drips down and sinks to the bottom of the tank (because water is denser than heating oil). That water becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms.
Over time, it turns into sediment or sludge that can get into your fuel lines and clog them up. This will cause your heating system to shut down, likely early during the next winter, when we’re in the middle of the first big deep freeze. Further, sludge can also corrode your tank from the inside out—a big problem that could be difficult to see coming and costly to remediate.
In the winter, your tank doesn’t stay empty long, so these issues don’t come up. Plus, condensation is less likely to form in colder temps. But in summer, especially if your tank is outside, condensation will form quickly. Of course, if you’re signed up for automatic deliveries, we’ll make sure you’re topped off for the summer season.
2. Fueling Your Hot Water Appliances
If your water heater runs on heating oil, you’ll need to have some oil in your tank to make sure you have hot water. The largest use of hot water in the summer months is for showers, but your dishwasher needs hot water to get your dishes clean, too.
If you wash your dishes by hand, you will certainly want some hot water—cold water doesn’t do the job on greasy, dirty pots and pans. You may also want hot water for doing at least some of your laundry.
3. Skip the Fall Season Rush
When your tank is full in the early fall, you won’t have to fight for a convenient heating oil delivery appointment at the same time everyone else is trying to get a delivery. You’ll also be ready for an early cold snap!
While you’re at it, if you have a service plan with us, why not get your heating system tuned-up in the spring, too? Not only will you have your choice of appointments, but the benefits won’t wear off over the summer.
Need an Oil Delivery or System Maintenance? Call Casey Energy Today.
One last thought: Even when oil prices are high, the cost of heating oil is lower on average during the spring. So, filling up your tank now is a great way to “lock in” a low price before next season arrives. Ready for your fill-up? Contact us today.