How Long Does Heating Oil Last?

If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable way to heat your home or business heating oil is a very strong choice. It is affordable, stable and non-explosive. You are also able to buy it over the course of the year, which keeps you nice and prepared for Rhode Island’s cold season. However, storing heating oil is only beneficial if you know that it will last you until you need it. So how can you tell if heating oil has surpassed its shelf life? Here are some tips about its longevity and ways you can make it last.

Heating oil explained

We get heating oil from a fuel made from the fractional processing of crude oil. While it’s similar to the fuel used in diesel cars and trucks, it is different in color. Usually, heating oil lasts between 18 and 24 months. However, there are a few things that can reduce this timeline:

• Bacteria – Over time, bacteria in an oil tank and bacteria that is found in the oil itself can cause heating oil to turn into a thick substance that can no longer be used for heating purposes.
• Acids – Items such as paint, sludge, rust and certain acids can shorten heating oil’s lifespan.
• Water – Water can negatively affect the shelf life of heating oil by inhibiting its ability to burn properly.

Here’s what you can do to make your heating oil last as long as possible:

• Determine how much you need – We always recommend ordering your heating oil in advance as this saves you the headache of running out and struggling to get a last-minute delivery. However, you don’t want to be storing tons and tons of the fuel, especially if you don’t need it. That’s why it’s good to have an idea of how much heating oil you need for the winter season, which we can help you estimate. Just give us a call!
• Properly seal your tank – You want to avoid corrosion in your heating oil tank as this can lead to rust and contamination. A professional heating tank inspection by the professionals at Vaughn Oil can help ensure that your tank is properly sealed so that you can avoid this unnecessary problem.
• Use high-quality oil – When you order oil from a reliable heating oil supplier like Vaughn Oil, chances are the quality is going to be higher. Higher quality oil is going to last you longer. Furthermore,

Vaughn Oil proudly delivers Bioheat® fuel, which is a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur heating oil. (Biodiesel is made from several renewable resources, including plant oils, animal fats, recycled grease, and even algae.) Bioheat fuel burns more cleanly and offers many advantages over traditional heating oil. Since it burns more efficiently, it offers more longevity than regular heating oil. 

If you’re in our Rhode Island service area Vaughn Oil can provide you with a reliable supply of high quality heating oil no matter the season. Contact us today to learn more!