Written on: July 10, 2023
One of the main reasons for heating system problems is sludge in your heating oil tank, which is a mixture of dirt, rust, and old fuel that appears thick and dark. It can block filters, causing your heating system to work harder to generate heat, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs.
Ignoring sludge buildup in your heating system can lead to blockages and decreased efficiency. Over time, it may even completely block your furnace or boiler supply line, causing the heating system to fail, ultimately leaving you without heat. Fixing the issue could be expensive.
If the sludge inside your heating oil tank builds up, it can cause corrosion and make the tank fail eventually. In such a case, you may have to bear costly expenses for emergency tank replacements and remediation of any spilled heating oil.
During spring and summer, if your heating oil tank is not filled completely, the inner wall of the tank that is exposed may condense moisture. This water, which is denser than oil, will move down to the bottom of the tank. Over time, the water will be turned into sediment or sludge by bacteria and microorganisms, which will cause corrosion in your tank.
To ensure your tank remains in good condition and avoids costly repairs, it is recommended to hire a waste-oil contractor for safe and efficient sludge removal. They will quickly drain your tank to improve its performance.
Nothing lasts forever, including your heating oil tank. If you are concerned about your oil tank, Williams Energy offers expert oil tank replacement. We are a certified Roth dealer.
Roth is the industry leader in quality and innovation when it comes to heating oil tanks. Their double-walled tanks feature a weld-free galvanized steel outer tank and a seamless high-density polyethylene inner tank for maximum durability and protection against tank failure.
Get an annual tune-up of your oil-fired heating system. Our affordable service plans include an annual maintenance check by skilled and experienced Williams Energy technicians. During this check, they can detect and solve any issues related to sludge to prevent future problems. Also, our service plans provide a tune-up.
Inspect your heating oil tank regularly. To prevent any issues, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear on your old heating oil tank like rust, small holes, or moisture on the outside after receiving an oil delivery. It is recommended to plan to replace your tank if it is over 20 years old.
Keep your tank full year-round. To prevent condensation, we advise arranging for a heating oil delivery during the spring. Not only will this protect your tank, but you won’t need to worry about how much heating oil you have if there’s an early cold snap in the fall.
Don’t let sludge sneak up on you! Contact Williams Energy today for your heating oil delivery and oil tank needs.