Posted: December 9, 2024

Does Heating Oil Freeze?

Here are some heating oil tank maintenance tips

There are many homes here in Eastern Massachusetts that are heated with heating oil. After all, the fuel is efficient, safe and pretty healthy for your home’s air quality.

If you fall into the category of a homeowner who uses heating oil, hopefully you are doing what you can to maintain and take care of your heating oil tank. Need a little help in this area? Look no further than the below tips and suggestions the pros here at Medway Oil & Propane have put together for you!

Preventing your heating oil from gelling

While heating oil does not freeze it does turn to gel. This occurs when outside temperatures fall to about 16° Fahrenheit. Once exposed to temperatures this low, heating oil thickens and turns into a waxy sludge type of material. This process is sometimes referred to as ‘gelling’.

Gelling is not good for a home heating system. It poses a risk to your fuel lines and doesn’t leave enough room for burnable fuel in your tank, all of which makes your equipment operate at a less efficient level. On top of that, gelling can block your fuel filter and that puts you at risk of a full system breakdown. No homeowner wants to have to deal with this.

A homeowner who uses heating oil definitely doesn’t want to let his or her fuel gel. This is preventable with the help of a professional service who can properly insulate your heating oil tank, add anti-gel additives to fuel and protect fuel lines from extreme weather.

How homeowners can maintain their heating oil tanks

Sure there are certain issues that require the help of a professional service, but there is also plenty a homeowner can do to help take care of his or her heating oil tank. This includes:

• Regularly checking your tank for leaks, rust, condensation, weeping and blistering
• Keeping your tank full with an adequate amount of fuel at all times
• Not putting yourself at risk of running out of heating oil entirely
• Booking an annual maintenance appointment with a professional

Where Medway Oil & Propane comes in

If you do notice any of the above signs when it comes to your heating oil tank, get in touch with Medway Oil & Propane so we can come out and take a look at your tank. It may be time for a heating oil tank replacement, which our service technicians can help with.

We offer complete heating oil tank services including:

• Heating oil tank removals: Our trained, experienced and CETP certified (Certified Employee Training Program) service technicians can safely remove an old tank from your property while abiding by all local, state and federal regulations.
• Heating oil tank installations: Medway Oil & Propane carries and installs top-quality heating oil tanks that we can easily install on your property.
• Heating oil delivery: We happen to have access to the best quality heating oil thanks to our long-standing relationships with fuel suppliers and we can deliver this fuel directly to your home.

When you need assistance with your heating oil or heating oil tank for your Eastern Massachusetts home don’t hesitate to reach out to Medway Oil & Propane. Contact us today and let us know how we can help with your heating oil related needs.