Running Out of Heating Oil: What to Expect and How to Prevent It

Reasons to be prepared when it comes to your fuel supply

We all know that Cape Cod is no stranger to some very bitter and cold winter days. These days call for our home heating systems to be on full blast and for many of us that means using our heating oil.

A fully stocked supply of heating oil and a heating oil tank that has been well maintained over the years can get pretty much anyone through the coldest days of the year. But what happens if and when you run out of fuel?

The problems you will face if you run out of heating oil

It probably goes without saying, but if you run out of heating oil your home heating system is not going to be able to do the job that it is designed to do – keeping you and your home warm and comfortable. Your furnace will actually turn off once you run out of fuel in an effort to protect itself from becoming damaged.

The fact that you won’t have heat may be reason enough for you to properly prepare when it comes to your fuel supply. However, that is not the only problem you will face if you find yourself without heating oil.

In addition to not being able to provide heat to your home, your home heating system will face additional challenges if it doesn’t have the fuel it needs. This includes:

• Sediment and impurities finding their way into your system’s feed line. If this starts to build up on the bottom of a heating oil tank it can clog a system’s filters.
• Unusual noises in your filters, oil pumps or oil lines, such as grumbling.
• A buildup of condensation on a tank’s interior walls that can lead to bacterial growth. These bacteria can then turn your remaining heating oil into non-functional sludge. Condensation can also make your tank rust and corrode.
• Nozzles and oil filters that become clogged with sediment, which can make your heating system less efficient. If this sediment gets into your furnace it is at risk of some pretty serious damage.

Preventing a heating oil run-out

Dealing with any of the above problems can be a huge hassle, not to mention quite costly at times. Therefore, it is in every homeowner’s best interest to not run out of heating oil if that is what he or she relies on for heat.

You can do this by setting up your next fuel delivery before your supply gets too low. Here at Cape Cod Oil & Propane we recommend doing this when your tank reaches the 30% full mark.

You should also place your heating oil order well in advance of winter. Ordering during the warmer months gives you flexibility in terms of scheduling a delivery and prices tend to be lower. Plus the fuel is more accessible and easier to find.

Heating oil from Cape Cod Oil & Propane

Both home and business owners here on Cape Cod can count on Cape Cod Oil & Propane for the heating oil they need to stay warm all winter long. In fact, we pride ourselves on being the most reliable heating oil service in the area!

Contact Cape Cod Oil & Propane for more information on our heating oil deliveries and services today.