Spring has arrived in Connecticut and summer will be here before you know it which means it’s time to give your furnace a break after all the hard work it did during the winter months. Although we are all excited for warmer weather and lower fuel oil bills, there are a few things you should do to make sure your furnace is ready for another winter season!
If you haven’t done so already, please give us a call to schedule the annual maintenance on our heating system and although it seems counter-intuitive you should get one more oil delivery before summer. A full oil tank is one of the best ways to prevent condensation and moisture –something you want to avoid if you can!
What happens when you get condensation in your tank
When your tank is less than half full, condensation tends to build up on the inner walls of the tank – kind of like an ice-cold glass of lemonade builds up moisture when it’s sitting outside on a warm summer day. That condensation seems harmless – but it isn’t.
- Rust and Rot. Water is heavier than your heating oil and will sink to the bottom – the constant presence of water will eventually cause rot and rust. The rot and rust will degrade your tank and potentially cause leaks. The only way water can get in your tank – unless you physically put it there, is condensation.
- Bacteria and Sludge. Gunk, sludge, muck – several terms that describes what happens to your oil when bacteria oxidize the fuel in your tank. Bacteria is normally occurring in oil, but when in the presence of water, it grows. The sludge can wreak havoc on your system, clogging fuel lines and burner nozzles requiring a professional to get you back up and running
Prevent, Detect Remove
Outside of keeping your tank at least half full, consider insulating the tank to prevent fluctuations in temperature inside the tank. This is especially important if your tank is outside versus in a basement.
Although prevention is the best medicine, it’s best to check your tank for water if you suspect it’s presence by using a probe that has “Water Finding Paste” attached to the bottom. The paste will change color in the presence of water.
If you discover water – the best thing to do is call in a professional who will flush the pipes and clean the filters. They may also filter the oil to remove the water.
If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to give us a call at 860.274.3284!
