Why Order Heating Oil During The Offseason?

Scheduling a heating oil delivery might not be at the top of your to-do list as we head into the opening month of summer 2020 – but it should definitely be somewhere on that list.

Why you don’t want an empty heating oil tank:

You might wonder why we’re recommending that you order heating oil now when you’re not going to use your furnace or boiler for at least a few months (we hope). The answer is that an empty steel heating oil tank is more likely than a half full one to accumulate condensation (water) on its interior walls during the change of seasons.

Water creates two problems for your heating oil tank: first, the bacteria in your heating oil love a damp environment; they’ll eventually break down your fuel until it becomes a thick sludge that will jam your fuel lines and could even cause a breakdown. Second, since water is heavier than oil, it will sink to the bottom of your tank where it will speed corrosion – a problem you might not see coming until you have a leak (or worse).

The bottom line: Condensation is bad news for your heating oil tank, but you can discourage its formation by keeping your tank at least half full during the offseason. Ordering your heating oil now could be a good way to save some money, too, since heating oil prices are often at their lowest during periods of minimal demand.

Need an offseason heating oil delivery in MA to top off your tank? Contact Pioneer Oil and Propane today. And while you’re at it, why not sign up for convenient services like E-billing, Auto Pay, and our Monthly Payment Plan? They’ll make paying your bills a snap next heating season.

Please note: If your oil tank is 25 years or older, it could be time to replace it. There is currently a limited-time rebate of $200 available for Massachusetts residents who install a new oil storage tank – contact us for details.

At Pioneer, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your heating oil deliveries coming during this challenging time.