Tips & Tricks

Chilly Winters is Underway- Is Your Heating Oil Prepared Enough?

While there are many types of heating systems available in American homes, heating oil is growing in popularity. Over the past decade, more than 350,000 homes were built with an oil-based central heating system.

The reasons are simple. First of all, one can store heating oils in tanks. Another advantage of using heating oil over other options is that it produces high heat per unit value.

However, there is only one problem, fuel oil freezes when the temperature gets low. Since the colder months are approaching, here is the list of essentials that you must learn about heating oils.

Why Fuel Oil Freezes?

Many homeowners often think that heating oil is similar to gasoline, kerosene, or diesel. But all these forms have different chemical compositions. Unlike other forms, heating oils generally work best around 35 degrees. Anything below this temperature will impact the texture of the oil. For instance, it will start becoming cloudy.

And if the temperature goes below 20 degrees, the paraffin will start separating from the oil. In short, it will begin crystallization. After some time, these crystals will stick to the pipeline that will slow down the flow rate.

All in all, your heating system will stop functioning to its maximum potential.

So, the next probable question is:

How Can You Prevent Freezing of Your Heating Oil?

As they say, “Prevention is better than Cure.” You must prepare well to ensure you have an adequate supply of heating oils during the winter months.

Many fuel delivery experts suggest different measures to prevent your fuel oil from freezing. So, focus on two different parameters when searching for where to buy heating oil, one is that they have comprehensive knowledge about the fuel oil they are selling and that they provide measures to avoid any issues. That way, the provider can help you with concerns related to heating oils.

For now, here are the tips to avoid freezing heating oil during winters.

  • Insulation is the key to protect pipelines that are spread above the ground.
  • You can move in your fuel filters indoors where you can easily maintain the optimum temperature. If you are thinking why do you need this step, its because filters often get jammed during winters with gelled wax.
  • Add anti gelling additives specifically designed for heating oils. You can contact the fuel supplier in case you are unsure about it.

Although these tips come in handy, they are typically short terms measures. As a long-term solution, you can move your tank and other associated pipes underground.

This is the best measure in situations where freezing heating oil is in constant trouble.

Moving on. Here is what you need to do in cases where you are unable to unfreeze your heating oil.

What Should You Do When Fuel Oil Freezes?

As soon as you confirm that your heating oil is not working correctly, you will need to call an expert who can help you fix the issue. They have all the tools and equipment to get your furnace in running mode. It might take some time, so you must ensure to have an alternative source to keep your family warm.

To Sum it Up

There are many benefits of home heating oils, including abundant supply and affordable pricing. However, things might get tricky if you are not paying attention to the freezing temperatures.

After all, the aim is to keep warm during winters. And if you cannot achieve that, nothing good will come out of using this type of heating system.

So, being proactive is the key to avoid chilly winters this season.

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