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Heating oil might not be a top priority during the warm summer months, but this period is ideal for planning and maintenance. With the boiler unused and the days longer, it’s the perfect time to assess and improve your heating system. Preparing for the winter rush allows you to enter the colder season comfortably. By taking early action, you can ensure your home stays warm when it matters most. This article from Skylands Energy Service shares essential summer heating oil tips you can keep in mind.
Heating Oil Tips to Follow During Summer
Table of Contents
- 1 Heating Oil Tips to Follow During Summer
- 1.1 1. Maximize Lower Fuel Oil Prices
- 1.2 2. Perform an Oil Tank Inspection
- 1.3 3. Schedule Professional Oil Heating System Service
- 1.4 4. Protect Your Outdoor Tank
- 1.5 5. Consider An Oil Heating System Upgrade
- 1.6 6. Maintain Clear Access to the Oil Tank Fill Pipe
- 1.7 7. Explore Better Oil Delivery Options
- 1.8 8. Avoid Oil Tank Condensation
- 2 FAQs: Summer Maintenance and Delivery
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 Contact Skylands Energy Service for Prompt Heating Oil Deliveries & More
Summer offers the perfect chance to get ahead with your heating oil needs. Here are several tips to help you:
1. Maximize Lower Fuel Oil Prices
![scissors cutting through the word price depicting low fuel prices in summer](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/scissors-cutting-through-the-word-price-depicting-low-fuel-prices-in-summer.jpg)
The demand for heating oil surges as winter approaches, driving up prices due to high usage across millions of households for heating purposes. Conversely, summer sees a dip in demand, resulting in lower prices and potential discounts from oil companies looking to boost sales. Taking advantage of these lower rates can lead to significant savings. Plan your usage, estimate your needs, and order fuel now to benefit from these seasonal pricing advantages.
2. Perform an Oil Tank Inspection
![image of a heating oil tank](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-of-a-heating-oil-tank-2.jpg)
Summer’s favorable weather makes it ideal for a comprehensive oil tank inspection. While the skies are clear, you can thoroughly inspect the condition of your outdoor tank. Examine it for signs of wear, such as rust, holes, or cracks that may have developed over time. These could let water infiltrate and cause further damage. Additionally, ensure the tank’s legs are stable and the lids are securely sealed. If your tank is nearing the end of its service life or exhibits considerable deterioration, it’s wise to arrange for a replacement to prevent future issues.
3. Schedule Professional Oil Heating System Service
Homeowners may notice clear signs of damage, but more minor, less apparent issues often go undetected. Certified HVAC technicians are equipped to identify early signs of trouble in an oil heating system that might otherwise be overlooked.
These professionals can access difficult-to-reach areas and perform sophisticated tests to diagnose potential problems. Equipped with the necessary tools, they can thoroughly clean and tune up the system. It is advisable to arrange for furnace or boiler servicing annually. Regular maintenance by experts ensures prolonged equipment life and dependable operation.
Protect your investment and save money by arranging your heating oil delivery and tank inspection with Skylands Energy Service this summer! Call now!
4. Protect Your Outdoor Tank
![newly installed CCTV outside the house to add for oil tank security](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/newly-installed-CCTV-outside-the-house-to-add-for-oil-tank-security.jpg)
Outdoor storage tanks are essential for storing valuable heating oil, but their accessibility makes them targets for theft. Thieves may attempt to siphon oil to resell, and some even track delivery trucks to identify homes with new supplies.
Enhance your tank’s security by shielding it from view from the road; consider erecting a fence or planting bushes for concealment. Ensure sufficient space around the tank for proper airflow and to meet fire safety standards. Additionally, securing the tank with a lock, installing an oil tank alarm, and setting up CCTV surveillance can significantly deter and prevent theft.
5. Consider An Oil Heating System Upgrade
![Skylands Energy Service HVAC technician tending to boiler](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Skylands-Energy-Service-HVAC-technician-tending-to-boiler.jpg)
Summer is the ideal time for significant updates to your heating system. If you’ve considered upgrading, consider replacing old tanks with new, higher-capacity models to prevent future issues. It’s also an opportune time for boiler repairs or enhancements. If your HVAC system has been experiencing frequent breakdowns, summer provides the perfect window for a comprehensive replacement. Such projects can be time-consuming, making the warmer months, when heating isn’t essential, the best time to undertake them.
Don’t wait until winter—call Skylands Energy Service now to take advantage of lower summer heating oil prices and ensure your system is ready for the cold months ahead!
6. Maintain Clear Access to the Oil Tank Fill Pipe
![fuel delivery](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/fuel-delivery.jpg)
Heating oil delivery trucks should have unobstructed access to your tank’s fill pipe to ensure smooth delivery operations. Over time, the area around the pipe can become overgrown with foliage. Regular checks are necessary to manage any overgrowth. Keep the bushes trimmed and the area around the fill pipe clear. After clearing, visibly mark the location of the fill pipe to help the delivery team locate it quickly and efficiently.
7. Explore Better Oil Delivery Options
If your current heating oil delivery service hasn’t met your expectations, summer is the right time to seek alternatives. Research competitors in your area and review customer feedback to gauge their service quality and dependability. You might discover providers who offer punctual deliveries, more competitive rates, or superior service deals. Consult with friends and neighbors to learn about their experiences with different services, providing you with practical insights.
If you’re not yet a Skylands Energy Service customer, don’t hesitate to contact us to discover how we can enhance your heating oil delivery experience & more!
8. Avoid Oil Tank Condensation
Condensation within an oil tank can initiate damage by causing corrosion, which weakens the tank’s internal structure. This issue becomes more severe when tanks are nearly empty, as moisture-laden air occupies the vacant space, exacerbating the problem. Do not let your tank run low, even during summer. Ensuring your tank is adequately filled by scheduling a delivery helps maintain the tank’s integrity and prevent corrosion.
FAQs: Summer Maintenance and Delivery
![frequently asked questions written on wooden blocks depicting heating oil FAQs](https://www.skylandsenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/frequently-asked-questions-written-on-wooden-blocks-depicting-heating-oil-FAQs.jpg)
Below are some common questions regarding summer maintenance and delivery:
- How often should I schedule maintenance for my oil heating system? You should arrange for professional servicing of your furnace or boiler at least once a year. Scheduling this service during the summer helps ensure your system is in optimal condition ahead of the colder months, enhancing its reliability and prolonging its lifespan.
- What should I consider when planning major upgrades to my heating system? When considering major changes, such as replacing tanks or upgrading the system, consider the best time for such projects—summer is optimal. Evaluate potential efficiency improvements and ensure these upgrades match your heating requirements. Consulting with Skylands Energy Service can offer valuable guidance on the most cost-effective and efficient solutions.
- Is there a best practice for maintaining my oil tank during the summer to prepare for winter? Keep your oil tank half full throughout the summer to avoid condensation and subsequent corrosion. Regularly check the tank for signs of wear or damage and address these issues promptly with necessary repairs or replacements. This proactive approach helps ensure your system remains robust and ready for the winter months.
Conclusion
While it seems odd, summer is the ideal time to focus on maintaining your tank and boiler. These systems are constantly used in winter and are less accessible for extensive maintenance. Summer provides the perfect opportunity when these systems are idle, allowing you to conduct necessary maintenance and reassess your oil budget. This is also a great time to explore more efficient options for your next oil delivery.
Contact Skylands Energy Service for Prompt Heating Oil Deliveries & More
At Skylands Energy Service, we are committed to keeping homes and businesses in Central New Jersey comfortably warm with our dependable heating oil delivery. We prioritize delivering high-quality heating oil quickly and efficiently, ensuring you experience warmth without hassle. Dedicated to excellence, we strive to provide competitive pricing and straightforward service, with your comfort as our primary concern.
Choosing Skylands Energy Service means partnering with a trusted provider for all your heating oil needs. Renowned for our reliable service and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are a key part of the community, always ready to meet your heating demands. Contact us today to ensure your space remains cozy throughout the year!
Also, take advantage of our reliable and affordable heating oil delivery services throughout Central New Jersey. We have many delivery plans and financing options available to meet your needs. Call now!
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more! To view our service area, click here.
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