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Is Heating Oil Safe?

Posted: August 8, 2022

Feel safe & secure with heating oil delivery from Pioneer Oil and Propane!

heating oil massachusettsAlthough other choices for fuel have surfaced, heating oil is still the most popular option among Central Massachusetts residents for keeping homes warm.

That’s because home heating oil is less expensive (on average) than other fuels, heats your house faster, and is a more efficient energy source. Thanks to dependable heating oil delivery from Pioneer Oil and Propane, you never have to depend on a utility’s aging infrastructure as you do with electric or natural gas heating.

Another factor to think about when it comes to considering heating oil is safety.

Heating oil is a very safe home heating fuel. Although the term “oil” suggests an immediate fire danger, it isn’t true. Heating oil must be heated to at least 140°F before being vaporized and combusted in your boiler or furnace.

Today’s heating oil tanks have been designed with your safety in mind. To virtually eliminate the chance of leaks, heating oil tanks are now constructed with double-wall steel, as well as plastic and fiberglass. There are built-in alarms that prevent the tank from being overfilled, lowering the risk of spills and leaks.

Although oil-fired heating systems and tanks are safe, there are a few extra steps you need to take to ensure peak safety.

Get your heating system tuned up each year

By scheduling regular maintenance tune-ups for your home’s furnace, boiler, or burner with the experts at Pioneer Oil and Propane, you can avoid issues before they start. Their comprehensive inspection will identify any potential problems and give our technicians an opportunity to fix them before they lead to breakdowns or safety problems.

For optimal peace of mind, our affordable service plans include a tune-up as well as discounts on repair services!

Pay attention to your heating oil tank

Check your heating oil tank regularly, especially between scheduled deliveries. Be on the lookout for physical damage such as blisters in the paint or pinhole leaks. Condensation accumulating on the outside of the tank even after a delivery may be an indicator that there is a problem. Get in touch with us if you see any of these to prevent a costly and potentially dangerous heating oil tank failure.

If you discover any oil on the floor or ground around your tank, contact us right away.

Know and practice carbon monoxide safety

 
Although it is highly improbable, a carbon monoxide leak can still happen especially if your oil-fired heating system is not properly maintained. If your oil-fired boiler or furnace is emitting black smoke or soot, contact Pioneer Oil and Propane immediately. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the house, including the basement, as well as outside all bedrooms. Test and change the batteries twice a year and replace the detectors every five years.
 
Become a Pioneer Oil and Propane customer for the most reliable heating oil delivery and service in Central Massachusetts!