Home Heating Oil: Top Tips For Summer
Heating oil may not be on people’s minds in the summer. However, this season is the perfect time to think about it. The warm weather and an idle boiler mean you can work on the various components of your heating system and plan for its future. This way, you are ready for the cold weather when it comes rolling in. Keep in mind that the months will pass by quickly. Making your move early means you are sure to have a more comfortable home when the temperatures drop.
Heating Oil Tips To Follow During Summer
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Here are several summer heating oil tips you should consider:
Maximize Lower Fuel Prices
Heating oil demand increases during the winter months. Millions of homes use fuel oil for boilers and furnaces, forcing the prices to go up. If you wait until winter to buy fuel, you will have to contend with increasing rates. On the other hand, summer is when demand is at its lowest. Oil companies may offer discounts to encourage clients to buy. It is recommended that clients make the most of these offers. Think about the amount you will need and schedule a delivery. Order today and take advantage of Townsend Energy’s easy online ordering platform.
Related Article: How Does An Oil Heating System Work?
Perform An Oil Tank Inspection
Summer is an excellent time to perform a thorough oil tank checkup. The fine weather means you can go outside and check every inch of the outdoor tank. Ensure that it is still in good shape. The tank may eventually develop signs of damage like cracks, rust, and holes. These may let water in and cause more problems. You should also check the legs of the tank and ensure it is stable. The lids should be sealed tight as well. Be proactive and have your heating oil tank replaced if yours is near the end of its lifespan or shows wear.
Call For Oil Heating System Service
Homeowners can see obvious signs of damage but may overlook more subtle clues. Certified HVAC technicians have the trained eyes to recognize developing issues on an oil heating system at their earliest stages. These technicians can also get to hard-to-reach spots and perform advanced tests to check for problems. They have the tools to conduct careful cleaning and system upkeep. Ensure that your heating system is maintained at least annually. Having professionals look after your heating system means it can last longer and have a more reliable operation.
Secure the Outdoor Heating Oil Tank
Outdoor tanks contain valuable fuel. They are placed in the open, making them a prime target for oil tank theft. Trespassers may siphon the oil into another container and resell it. They may also monitor the delivery trucks to know which homes have had their tanks refilled recently. Keep your tank hidden to secure it. Try installing a fence or planting bushes around it to keep prying eyes away. Ensure that there’s adequate clearance around its perimeter so there is proper airflow and fire safety. Other safety measures you can do are to lock the tank, place a CCTV camera in the area, and install an oil tank alarm.
Related Article: How to Read Your Heating Oil Tank Gauge
Take Advantage of the Downtime
Summer is the time to make the plans you’ve had for any major changes. You can replace old tanks with new ones to prevent problems and increase storage capacity. The boiler can also get repairs or upgrades. You may also consider a complete HVAC unit replacement if the breakdown gets out of control often. This can take some time, so it is wise to replace it while heating isn’t critical.
Ensure Fill Pipe Accessibility
Heating oil delivery trucks should be able to easily access the tank’s fill pipe to ensure smooth operation. Unfortunately, this area can get overgrown with plants. You should check it periodically to monitor the foliage growing around the tank. Make sure to trim them as needed. Mark the location of the fill pipe once it is clear. This will help the delivery team find it quickly.
Shop for a Better Oil Delivery Company
If you aren’t satisfied with how your current heating oil delivery company handles your orders, you can search for better options throughout the summer. Search for their local competitors and research what others are saying about them. Other companies may be able to make deliveries on time as promised. You may be able to find lower prices or better deals. Ask friends and neighbors about their experience with their delivery services, so you know what to expect.
If you aren’t a Townsend Energy customer yet, call us today to learn more about what our company can do for you.
Related Article: Is It Possible To Fill The Heating Oil Tank With Diesel?
Prevent Oil Tank Condensation
Oil tank condensation is one-way damage that can start to creep into the tank. Water will cause corrosion and weaken the walls from inside the container. It can worsen if the tank is almost empty, as the moist air will take up the open space. Don’t let the tank run low, even during the summer. Get oil delivered to fill the tank up and prevent condensation.
Conclusion
It may seem contrary to what is expected, but summer is the best time for tank and boiler upkeep. It is hard to do much with these during winter as they must work all day. However, they are usually idle during the summer, so you can go ahead and do the much-needed maintenance. Assess your oil budget again and look for better ways to get your next delivery.
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For Superior Heating Oil Deliveries, Call Townsend Energy
Townsend Energy is proud to be a trusted, affordable heating oil supplier in the area. We offer different delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your oil deliveries by choosing which option works best for you. By working with us, you can expect affordable oil prices and fast and reliable fuel deliveries. Click the link to view our service area.
Also, when you need maintenance service or repair for your heating system, our professionally certified technicians can help you. Our home heating services aim to improve efficiency and comfort, while reducing your energy costs. Call Townsend Energy today to schedule your appointment.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!