Is Oilheat Safe For Your Home?
Many Northeastern families in the U.S. rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm. This has been ongoing for many generations since fuel oil is one of the most efficient and stable means of heating during the winter season. It also has an excellent safety record which is appealing to many homeowners since their family’s well-being is a top priority. In fact, oilheat safety stands above the rest.
Is Oilheat Safe For Your Home?
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Read on to find out a few of the safety aspects of heating oil, especially compared to other types of heating fuels.
Heating Oil & Flammability
Heating oil will not catch fire at room temperature. This is because it will remain in its liquid state, which is fire resistant. It will not spark a fire even if you accidentally drop a lit match in it. This alone is not enough to cause the heating oil to combust. Furnaces have advanced burners to ensure that it gets the job done. This allows this equipment to vaporize the heating oil. It will heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to allow for controlled residential heating.
Heating Oil Tanks
It is relatively safe to have a heating oil tank installed in your home. They are typically placed in the garage or basement. You can also have them installed outside or underground. When the heating oil supply gets low, the homeowner can call their local oil delivery company for a refill. Homeowners can also sign up for an automatic oil delivery service so they do not have to monitor their tank levels. A delivery truck will be sent to provide more heating oil so that your furnace can run continuously. The pump pulls in the oil and directs it to the burner when needed. The oil is preheated, atomized, and heated again to achieve ignition. The system will stop operating automatically once the desired temperature has been reached.
The Low Risk Of Carbon Monoxide
Some homeowners worry about carbon monoxide poisoning that home heating systems. Carbon monoxide is a natural byproduct of the combustion process. However, there is no need to fret as heating oil systems give obvious signs before there is an issue with the venting system. The oil burner will also produce visible smoke and soot when it emits carbon monoxide, alerting the homeowners that something is wrong. This way, you’ll have enough time to take action, evacuate the house, and immediately call for help. The heating oil company will send an emergency response team right away. They will inspect the house thoroughly, and resolve the problem right away. It is always recommended that you install a CO alarm in your home for your peace of mind and safety. Consider installing smoke and fire alarms as extra safety measures as well.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of natural gas. Gas burners tend to emit carbon monoxide into your home discreetly. There won’t be any obvious signs that the heating system is experiencing a venting issue like there is with an oil system. Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal at high concentrations.
The Availability Of Remote Monitoring
Innovations in the industry have allowed homeowners to be safer and more secure when using oil furnaces and oil tanks. A device that will enable you to remotely check the oil tank level can be installed on your tank. Some of these devices have Wi-Fi capabilities so that they can be connected to the internet. This allows them to send you oil data at set intervals. This way, you will never run out of heating oil because you know exactly when you need to call for a refill.
Tanks are also equipped with alarms that tell you when the oil is at a dangerously high level. The alarm will emit a high-pitched noise that will undoubtedly catch the attention of anyone nearby. This way, the delivery personnel can hear it and stop the pumping oil into your tank on time. This will help prevent any oil spills on your property as well as other issues.
Protection via Regular HVAC Maintenance
Heating oil furnaces typically last for more than ten years without much problem. You can prolong their lifespan and ensure your home is safe by having a professional conduct annual HVAC maintenance. Make sure to book it during the fall to ensure your home is prepared for the upcoming cold season. This will also give you enough time to have any issues repaired. Heating experts will inspect all vital components of your furnace. They will also clean it so that there are no blockages. This way, your heating system is efficient and safe to use for a long time.
Conclusion
Heating oil is inherently safe to use at home. Oil tanks and furnaces are equipped with mechanisms to ensure that they are highly secure for residential applications. Homeowners can further enhance their home’s safety and protection by installing alarms and monitors. To know more about the preventive measures you can take, consult the experts at Point Bay Fuel.
Call Point Bay Fuel For Superior Home Comfort Solutions
Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating oil deliveries and HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey. Our heating oil deliveries are fast, reliable, and affordable, and we always keep your safety in mind. We offer various heating oil delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your fuel deliveries to meet your needs.
Likewise, we hire the best, certified HVAC technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive home comfort service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your home HVAC costs. If you are interested in improving your indoor air quality, then look no further. Our experts know the most advanced solutions to achieve all of your home comfort needs. All of our services are backed with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule an appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!