Heating oil tank summer maintenance tips

As summer gets into full swing and temperatures start to rise, your heating oil tank is most likely the last thing on your mind. However, keeping on top of your heating oil tank maintenance throughout the summer season could save you money in the long run. Here are four ways to keep your tank in tip-top condition.

Keep your tank topped up

It may seem strange to be thinking about heating oil when the weather is warm, but ordering in the summer could save you money. Heating oil prices can fluctuate for a number of reasons, but usually, there is a fall in heating oil prices in the warmer months due to a drop in demand.  If you chose to top up this summer, not only are prices good but having a full tank helps reduce the chance of sludge build-up.

It’s now easier than ever to make sure your tank doesn’t run dry, as there are automatic top-up services such as BoilerJuice Connected that monitor your oil levels and order your heating oil for you. Signing up for BoilerJuice Connected means you will get a great heating oil price in your area without lifting a finger, plus you no longer have to worry about running out.

If you chose to top up this summer, not only are prices good but having a full tank helps reduce the risk of water contamination...

Keep water out of your tank

As the warmer weather sets in, so does humidity which can cause havoc for your heating oil tank. Temperature fluctuations and humidity increases risk of condensation in your tank, especially those that are less full and therefore have more space for condensation to form..

Of course, water in your heating oil isn’t the most ideal situation to be in. This is where we meet the big issue, sludge and bugs.

When water meets the oil in your tank, it provides a perfect environment for bacteria (bugs) to form. This then creates a sludge which can block filters, pipes and generally cause mayhem for your tank and heating system. This isn’t usually discovered until you turn your heating on, often during the first chilly period of the winter and then you’re stuck with potentially no heating.

How to prevent water getting into your oil

• Keep your tank topped up reduces the amount of space for moisture to develop over summer
• Use additives! Our specially formulated BoilerMax additives helps to prevent sludge build up and keeps your heating system in tip-top condition.
• Check your tank regularly for splits or cracks, you certainly don’t want any water getting in or oil getting out.
• Get a water trap to drain off any water that develops in your tank

To make sure that you have no moisture in your tank, you can do a simple check with a water detection paste. If moisture is detected, you can get a water removal sponge which soaks up the moisture but keeps your oil unharmed.

In the event of large-scale bug and sludge build up, a specialist “bug-killer” can be introduced to the oil to neutralise the bacteria.

The best way to keep moisture build up to a minimum, is to keep your tank as full as possible and always use an additive with every fill.

Schedule your heating oil tank maintenance

We recommend scheduling heating oil tank maintenance at least once a year. Your tank works hard throughout the winter, so getting your heating oil tank maintenance completed in the summer means you can double-check your tank is still strong and healthy.

It is important to get your heating oil tank checked by a trained OFTEC professional. They will check for damages and check your pipe connections to make sure they are secure and clean. Usually engineers will perform this check as part of an annual oil boiler service, but be sure to always check with the engineer first.

Heating oil tank maintenance will reduce the chance of an unsafe tank causing of oil spillages, if there is a spill it can be expensive to clean and can impact the environment.

Check your seal caps

Checking your vent caps and fill caps are secure when you after your oil delivery, this can will help keep your tank sludge free. The vent caps and fill caps are there to air or debris getting into your tank which forms sludge, this can get into your heating systems can cause a boiler breakdown. These caps also prevent oil spillages that can damage your garden and cause environmental issues.

Summary

Remember, while it's easy to focus on the oil in your tank, it's crucial not to overlook the tank itself. Proper maintenance of your tank ensures not only the security of your oil but also the protection of your home and wallet. Take care of your tank, and it will take care of you.