When keeping your home warm during the winter months, you need a steady supply of heating oil to run your furnace. However, even with routine maintenance, your fuel tank can get clogged by harmful sludge, posing a risk to your furnace and making it harder to heat your home. Below is an explanation of oil sludge and how it can impact your home’s heating.

A Guide to Heating Oil Sludge

What Is It?

Oil sludge is a buildup of sediment comprised of dirt, rust, and small organisms growing inside the heating fuel tank. Almost every fuel tank has some amount of sludge, but when it builds up, it can quickly cause problems for your home’s heating system. With professional routine maintenance, you can keep muck from becoming a problem, but it’s important to always monitor the condition of your tank.

How Does It Impact My Heating System?

Your furnace draws heating oil out of the tank to keep the pilot light lit and the system operational. However, when there’s a buildup of sludge in the fuel, that sediment gets sucked through the fuel lines and into your furnace. Over time, the muck can gum up your supply lines and the internal workings of your furnace, forcing your system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. When left unaddressed, it can clog your system entirely, leaving you without heat or hot water when you need it most.

How Can I Prevent Sludge Buildup?

When your fuel level gets low, the remaining moisture evaporates, leaving you with a thick sludge at the bottom of your tank. Refill your fuel oil regularly to reduce the risk of sludge buildup. This precaution also ensures you have adequate fuel to keep you warm throughout the coldest parts of the winter.

Is heating oil sludge affecting your comfort? Let the team at Alaska Petroleum in North Pole, AK, help you keep your tank full this winter. Their fuel delivery service makes it easy to keep your heat running, no matter how cold the weather gets. Learn more about their delivery services online, and call (907) 488-2575 to schedule a tank refill today.