Fewer and fewer people use their furnaces as spring temperatures rise and the days get longer. It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to fill up your heating oil tank this time of year. However, accomplishing this task in the spring is essential to keeping your oil furnace in good shape.
Here’s why you should fill up your heating oil tank in the spring.
Avoid condensation formation in your heating oil tank.
Leaving the oil tank low or empty can lead to the formation of condensation, which will lead to big problems in your furnace. During the warmer months, fuel oil tanks tend to experience dramatic temperature fluctuations. As a result, moisture gets pulled from the air inside the oil tank and it travels to and accumulates in the walls of the tank.
Condensation is a common problem that occurs in heating oil tanks that are exposed to direct sunlight. Getting an oil delivery service in the spring and refilling your tank can help prevent this issue. The more oil there is in your tank, the less likely condensation is to form and build up. Keep in mind that water in oil tanks is not easy to remove.
Prevent sediment from forming in your tank.
Because water is more dense than heating oil, it will sink and settle at the bottom of the tank, causing small microorganisms to begin multiplying in the water, creating sediment. Over time, sediment will accumulate and clog the burner nozzle and fuel lines.
Sediment can harm the efficiency and performance of your heating system. When not addressed, it can result in the complete breakdown of the equipment. Also, sediment is corrosive, meaning it will cause rusting both inside and outside your heating tank.
