Written on: August 3, 2021
Chances are you haven’t been giving your heating oil tank much thought lately, considering we’re heading into the hottest stretch of the year here in the South Shore.
But there is one big reason to keep your heating oil tank in mind during the summer months: filling it could prevent big problems down the road.
Here’s why: Differences in temperature inside and outside your oil tank cause condensation to form on the interior tank walls, much the way water forms on a cold glass on a hot day. The emptier your tank is, the more likely it will gather moisture this way.
Having extra water inside your heating oil tank is bad news for two reasons: first, the bacteria that already live in your heating oil thrive in humidity – and when they multiply, they can turn your heating oil into a thick fuel line- and burner nozzle-clogging sludge.
The second reason? Water, being heavier than oil, will fall from the sides and sink to the bottom of the tank, where it will eat away at the steel (unless you have a double-walled oil tank lined with plastic or fiberglass, like the ones we sell at Williams Energy). Internal tank corrosion is a big problem, since it will eventually lead to leaks – ones you often won’t see coming until it’s too late.
The bottom line is that a build-up of condensation is not good for your heating oil tank, and filling it during the summer is one of the best ways to prevent it. Getting a heating oil delivery now could also be a good way to save some money, since heating oil prices are often at their lowest during the offseason.
Need to top off your heating tank this summer? We can help you with an offseason heating oil delivery in Braintree, Quincy, and beyond. Contact Williams Energy today to learn more about Bioheat® heating oil delivery in the South Shore!