Heating oil is among the most efficient ways to heat your Rhode Island home or business – and as a stable, non-explosive fuel, it’s also one of the safest. Add affordability to that list and you have a trifecta of heating oil benefits.
Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions about heating oil that might make some people pause before using it, or even attempt to replace it as a heat source in their homes or offices. The good news is that these problems have mostly been solved with advances in technology in the fuel and heating equipment or with the help of routine professional maintenance from a qualified heating oil contractor.
Here are three things to know that will set the record straight about heating oil. If you have more questions, contact us today – we’re happy to help!
Heating oil is a great way to heat your home in a cold place like New England, since it provides more BTUs than any other fuel. Here’s how your home furnace works with heating oil to provide heat to your living space:
TIP: Routine heating system maintenance will ensure that each of these processes occurs in the safest and most efficient way possible.
In most cases in a cold climate like we have here in Rhode Island, heating oil storage tanks are located indoors or below ground – mostly because heating oil will begin to gel (freeze) at 16°F, which can clog your system and cause breakdowns.
Heating oil tanks are typically stored in a utility room, basement, or garage and range from 220 gallons to 1,000 gallons; the average size used in homes is 275 gallons. The standard oil tank size comes in two basic shapes: oval and cylindrical.
TIP: By choosing the right size and location of your heating oil tank, you can avoid many of the problems associated with heating oil systems, including gelling, corrosion, and heating system breakdowns.
In the past, oil tanks were constructed almost exclusively from steel, which could corrode in the presence of water and cause a tank leak. Steel tanks are still available today, but construction standards have improved dramatically.
Alternative construction materials have also become far more common, including fiberglass and polyethylene plastic, which are often used as the inner lining of a double-walled storage tank. When combined with leak detection technology, these materials make today’s oil storage tanks virtually leak-proof.
TIP: With high-tech, eco-friendly options and TankSure® coverage from Vaughn Oil, you can be sure your tank will be safe for years to come. Contact us for details.
Looking to install a heating oil storage tank in Rhode Island? Now is a great time to do it. Contact us today to learn more or get a FREE, no-obligation estimate from the pros at Vaughn Oil.
Please note: At Vaughn Oil, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your home comfort services coming as we navigate this challenging time in Rhode Island.
