Heating oil is one of the most popular ways to keep homes warm during the colder months of the year. Not all homeowners know the best safety practices when maintaining a heating oil system, however. Alaska Petroleum, a fuel delivery service based in North Pole, AK, shares a few safety tips for working with heating oil. 

Fuel Delivery Experts List Top 3 Safety Tips for Heating Oil 

1. Periodically Check the Tank

While good heating oil fuel tanks can last for decades, that doesn't mean they can't run into occasional problems. Homeowners should check their fuel tank a few times a year for sludge, cracks, and leaks. While oil leakage doesn't pose an immediate health hazard, it can contaminate water and soil in the vicinity. 

2. Schedule an Annual Professional Checkup

In addition to their own appraisal, homeowners should arrange a professional inspection annually from an oil company. Such inspections are detailed and thorough, with heating professionals making sure all safety controls are in working condition, gauging oil levels, and looking for any emerging issues to monitor. 

3. Be Aware of Signs of Carbon Dioxide Leak

Although such events are rare, carbon monoxide leaks can occur when heating oil and other fossil fuels are not combusting properly in the tank. While the gas is odorless and colorless, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headache, vomiting, and malaise. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms and fear that you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, open all the windows and call a professional heating technician immediately. 

Over the past 35 years, Alaska Petroleum has grown from just a single truck to the full fleet of trucks, trailers, and tractors that make the in-demand oil company what it is today. The team's oil and gas technicians provide residential and commercial clients fast, reliable fuel delivery, including petroleum oil, refining oil, and diesel fuel. Visit the Alaska fuel delivery experts' website to learn more about their heating oil services, or give the friendly staff a call at (907) 488-2575.