As summer winds down and cooler temperatures begin to arrive, it’s time to start thinking about your home’s heating system. While turning on the heat may still be a few weeks away, September is the perfect time to make sure your heating oil tank is ready for the season ahead.
A little preparation now can help you avoid unexpected problems, last-minute deliveries, and running out of heating oil when you need it most. Here are seven things every heating oil homeowner should check this fall.
1. Check Your Heating Oil Level
The first thing to check is your tank’s current oil level. After going several months without using your heating system (if you don't use oil for hot water), you may have less oil than you realize.
Take a look at your tank gauge and make sure you have enough oil to get started once temperatures drop. If your tank is getting low, consider scheduling a delivery before the heating season gets busy.
Tip: Don't wait until your gauge is nearly empty to order oil. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps reduce the risk of running out.
Take a look at your tank gauge and make sure you have enough oil to get started once temperatures drop. If your tank is getting low, consider scheduling a delivery before the heating season gets busy.
Tip: Don't wait until your gauge is nearly empty to order oil. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps reduce the risk of running out.
1. Check Your Heating Oil Level
The first thing to check is your tank’s current oil level. After going several months without using your heating system (if you don't use oil for hot water), you may have less oil than you realize.
2. Inspect Your Oil Tank for Signs of Damage
Take a few minutes to look over your oil tank. Check for visible signs of rust, corrosion, dents, cracks, or other damage. If you notice oil around the tank or any signs of a leak, contact a qualified professional promptly. Catching potential problems early can help prevent a much bigger issue later in the season.
3. Check the Gauge Itself
Make sure your tank gauge is working properly and giving you an accurate reading. The gauge is one of your most important tools for keeping track of your heating oil supply.
If the gauge appears stuck, damaged, or doesn't seem to match your actual oil usage, have it checked by a professional. Knowing how much oil you have on hand makes it easier to plan deliveries before you get too low.
If the gauge appears stuck, damaged, or doesn't seem to match your actual oil usage, have it checked by a professional. Knowing how much oil you have on hand makes it easier to plan deliveries before you get too low.
4. Check the Fill and Vent Pipes
Take a look at the pipes connected to your oil tank. The fill pipe is where your heating oil is delivered, while the vent pipe allows air to escape from the tank during delivery.
Make sure they are accessible and free from obvious obstructions or damage. Trim back vegetation or remove anything that could interfere with access to the fill pipe. Keeping your fill and vent areas clear also helps make deliveries easier and safer.
Make sure they are accessible and free from obvious obstructions or damage. Trim back vegetation or remove anything that could interfere with access to the fill pipe. Keeping your fill and vent areas clear also helps make deliveries easier and safer.
5. Make Sure Your Heating System is Ready
Your oil tank is only one part of the heating system. Before the first cold snap, make sure your furnace or boiler is ready to operate efficiently.
If your system has been sitting unused all summer, later summer or early fall is a good time to have it inspected and serviced. Routine maintenance can help identify potential problems before you depend on your heating system every day. It's much better to discover an issue in September than on the coldest night of January.
If your system has been sitting unused all summer, later summer or early fall is a good time to have it inspected and serviced. Routine maintenance can help identify potential problems before you depend on your heating system every day. It's much better to discover an issue in September than on the coldest night of January.
6. Review Your Oil Delivery Plan
Fall is also a good time to think about how you'll manage your heating oil throughout the winter. If you currently order oil when your tank gets low, make sure you're keeping an eye on your gauge and giving yourself enough time to schedule deliveries.
For homeowners who don't want to constantly monitor their tank, automatic delivery can provide an added level of convenience. Your delivery schedule can be based on factors such as your home's historical usage and weather conditions, helping you stay ahead of your fuel needs.
For homeowners who don't want to constantly monitor their tank, automatic delivery can provide an added level of convenience. Your delivery schedule can be based on factors such as your home's historical usage and weather conditions, helping you stay ahead of your fuel needs.
7. Don't Forget About Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Before heating season begins, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if necessary. Make sure you have working detectors in the appropriate areas of your home.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so functioning detectors are an important part of home safety whenever you are using fuel-burning equipment.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so functioning detectors are an important part of home safety whenever you are using fuel-burning equipment.
Get Ahead of Heating Season
September is a great time to get your heating oil and heating system ready before the cold weather arrives. Checking your oil level, inspecting your tank, preparing your delivery plan, and making sure your heating equipment is ready can give you greater peace of mind throughout the winter.
The last thing you want is to discover you're low on oil—or have a heating problem—when temperatures are already dropping. Take a few minutes now to check your tank and make a plan for the season. Your future self will thank you when the first cold snap arrives!
My Express Oil is here to help keep your home fueled throughout the heating season. Whether you're looking for convenient automatic delivery or simply need to schedule your next heating oil delivery, planning ahead can help make winter a little easier.
Don't wait for the first cold day. Get your heating oil ready for fall today!
The last thing you want is to discover you're low on oil—or have a heating problem—when temperatures are already dropping. Take a few minutes now to check your tank and make a plan for the season. Your future self will thank you when the first cold snap arrives!
My Express Oil is here to help keep your home fueled throughout the heating season. Whether you're looking for convenient automatic delivery or simply need to schedule your next heating oil delivery, planning ahead can help make winter a little easier.
Don't wait for the first cold day. Get your heating oil ready for fall today!
