Home heating oil can bring you and your family members comfort during the coldest days of the year. However, if you’re still using electricity or natural gas for your heat, you may be missing out on the perks this clean, efficient, and reliable method offers. To learn more before making the switch, review these frequently asked questions.

What You Should Know About Heating Oil

Does heating oil expire?

After about a year, your leftover heating oil will no longer be usable. This is usually because of condensation, which builds up inside the tank and facilitates bacterial growth. However, if you plan on conserving heating oil for next year, you can use a diesel additive to preserve it.

Is heating oil safe?

Compared to other methods, home heating oil is prized for its safety. That’s because it doesn’t become flammable until it’s turned into a vapor. In fact, if you dropped a match into a container of heating oil, the flame would simply extinguish.

What dictates the price of heating oil?

Just like precious metals, the price of heating oil will fluctuate over time. These variations are primarily influenced by supply and demand, which means fuel is cheaper when more people are buying it. That’s why heating oil is more expensive in the warmer months of early autumn or late spring, and less costly in the middle of winter. Prices may also vary based on your location due to shipping costs, regional markets, and competitive suppliers.

Where should heating oil be stored?

While some people choose to store heating oil in a basement tank, it can also be stored outside. In the proper container, the oil will remain safe from contamination, and it won’t take up precious square footage inside your home.

To start stocking up on home heating oil, turn to Thomaston Oil in Litchfield County, CT. They have over three decades of experience delivering fuel to families throughout western Connecticut, and they’re proud to provide 24/7 emergency repair services when problems arise. This family-owned and -operated company also supplies high-quality heating oil that won’t become gritty or thick over time, and they can deliver fresh supplies to your house on a routine schedule. To learn more about this licensed and insured team, visit their website. To receive an estimate, call (860) 283-4878.