When Is It Time To Replace My Heating Oil Tank?
Written on: September 28, 2021
Top 6 Signs Your Heating Oil Take Needs Attention
Replacing your heating oil tank may sound like a hassle, but it’s important to know where you stand and whether it’s really necessary. One of the energy experts at Williams Energy can take a look at your heating oil tank and help you evaluate if it’s time for an upgrade or repairs. They can also make the process of bringing your Cohasset and Weymouth, Mass. heating oil tank into the 21st-century easy and painless. Read further to learn more about the telltale signs of a heating oil tank that is due for some attention.
What to look for when examining a heating oil tank
Some of the signs that a heating oil tank needs replacement are more glaring than others:
- Oil releases: We all know that a tank that is releasing oil improperly isn’t working like it should. Many people don’t realize that weeping or wet spots on the surface of or underneath a tank may mean that an oil release is occurring, or is imminent. If you are seeing even a little oil released unexpectedly, such as through a pinhole, please reach out to a fuel technician for troubleshooting.
- Wear and tear: Tanks that show signs of wear also need some TLC. Look for signs of condensation buildup, rust, corrosion, dents, cracking, blistering or peeling paint, sun or water damage etc. Components outside of or that feed into the tank, such as the fuel gauge, alarm, rubber tubing, oil lines, or pipes also need to be inspected for damage.
- Consider the age of your heating oil tank: While many types of heating oil tanks are built to last, some last longer than others. If your heating oil tank is more than two or three decades old, it’s a good idea to have its safety and efficiency evaluated by an experienced heating oil technician.
- Uneven or unstable installation: When a tank is installed improperly, it can be – or become over time – unlevel, causing issues with how well the tank works. Take a look at your tank’s legs, to make sure they are all on equal footing and that the tank is level.
- Clogs and debris: The tubing, pipes, and the tank itself can all become clogged. Bugs, rodents, squirrels, and other critters sometimes seek warmth from the elements by crawling into somewhere they shouldn’t be. Likewise, the elements themselves, like ice, snow, and mud, can sometimes enter the tank through small openings, and mix with the heating oil, creating a sludge or sediment that can slow down your tank’s efficiency.
- Tank efficiency: If you’re suddenly using more heating oil than expected or than you did during similar conditions in previous years, it’s time to work with a technician to see what’s behind the loss of efficiency.
Factors to consider about heating oil tank replacement
Take time to look at your records to assess the efficiency of your heating oil tank. If it is too old or not in the best shape, it may not be working as well as it should and this can cost you money.
- An upgrade can actually save you money: Even if your heating oil tank doesn’t have any malfunction, it’s still possible that an upgrade would be in your best interest if you are looking to save money in the long run.
- New technologies can be cost-saving: Technologies are always improving when it comes to heating oil tanks, and newer tanks are much more efficient, require less maintenance and need less frequent refueling. One of our energy experts at Williams Energy can let you know whether a replacement might be recommended for your current system.
Contact Williams Energy today to find out if a heating oil tank replacement is needed
Williams Energy has been in business for more than 100 years, and we keep our customers coming back by treating them like family. The fuel experts at Williams Energy can get your heating oil tank all squared away for the Massachusetts winter, stopping in its tracks any worry that you’ll be without your favorite heating source when you need it most.
