How Long Does Heating Oil Last In The Tank?
One of the worst things that can happen is running out of fuel oil when you need it the most. To keep this from happening, many consumers will buy their fuel oil in bulk. Not only will this ensure that they have oil when they need it, but they can also get a discount when buying in bulk. When consumers order a heating oil delivery Tuckerton NJ and buy in bulk, they can use some of the oil for the current season and they may have some leftover for later use.
While we believe that stocking up on oil is convenient…
and it makes financial sense, most homeowners do this without knowing whether or not oil expires. In fact, heating oil does have an expiration date. Point Bay Fuel is a company that sells and delivers high-quality heating oil in the area. In this article, we have shared some tips on how to store your oil to keep it from going bad.
An Overview Of Heating Oil
Contents
Heating oil, or furnace or boiler heating oil, is made from the fractional processing of crude oil. This is known as No. 2 oil. This oil is similar to the diesel fuel that is used in diesel cars and trucks. The difference between No. 2 oil and the oil that is used in vehicles is the additives that are used to enhance engine performance which is not necessary for No. 2 oil. Also, it is a different color because road taxes have not been paid on heating oil.
What Makes Heating Oil Go Bad?
If you are going to store fuel oil for a long period of time, it can begin to degrade due to various reasons. First, the bacteria in your oil tank and in the oil itself can degrade the oil over time. Next, oil and acids can greatly decrease the shelf life of your oil. Water can also impede the combustibility of your stored oil. To keep these things from happening, you need to make sure that your oil tank is sealed properly. Thirdly, there are certain contaminants such as curd, paint, sludge, and rust that can make your oil go bad over time.
Heating Oil Tank Tips
Before storing oil, you should make sure that the oil tank is clean. It is best to use premium oil because it has additives in it that will reduce the amount of sludge and sediment that can accumulate in the tank. Also, you should never store motor oil in your storage tank, even if it is empty.
What Is The Typical Shelf Life Of Heating Oil?
Typically, fuel oil can last between 18 and 24 months without decaying. This is true as long as it has the right additives blended in and if it is stored correctly. When the proper additives are put in the oil, it will stabilize it, increasing the shelf life. When the oil is delivered to your home, additives should then be introduced. High-quality oil also has additives already added to prevent sludge and sediment from building up.
It is important to understand…
that if your heating oil is already beginning to degrade, there is nothing that you can add to rejuvenate it.
Heating Oil Additives
As mentioned above, you need more than the right additives to keep your heating oil in good shape. The condition of your storage tank will also increase the shelf life of your oil. You should make sure that your tank is sealed well and free from anything that could contaminate it. Also, try to figure out how much oil you are going to need for the heating season. This will allow you to order just the right amount. If you have too much leftover after the heating season and your tank doesn’t properly store it, your oil company might need to remove it, which will cost you more money.
Conclusion
Under the right conditions, heating oil can last for 18 to 24 months. You would need to make sure that the right additives are in the oil and that you are storing the oil correctly. Certain factors, such as water, rust, paint, and bacteria can cause your oil to decay quickly. Finally, when you schedule your oil delivery, you should be sure to order premium oil.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your Heating Oil Requirements
Contact Point Bay Fuel for high-quality heating oil delivery. All of our oil has UltraGuard in it. This is an oil additive that prevents sludge from forming in your tank. It provides stability to your oil which enhances the performance of your heater. It extends the lifespan of your heating system and your fuel oil tank. We have different delivery options along with different payment options. We also offer HVAC services such as heater tune-ups which also optimizes your heating system’s operation. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.
We service Barnegat NJ 08005, Beach Haven NJ 08008, Leeds Point NJ 08220, Manahawkin NJ 08050, New Gretna NJ 08224, Oceanville NJ 08231, Port Republic NJ 08241, Tuckerton NJ 08087, West Creek NJ 08092, and surrounding areas.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!