Many homeowners rely on heating oil to keep their properties warm and comfortable during winter. This convenient and affordable fuel source is a superior alternative to natural gas or electricity due to the highest BTU rating of any heating source and typically lasts several years inside your tank. However, its shelf life will depend on how you maintain it. If you’ve recently switched to this option and are unsure how to preserve it, review the following guide to determine where best to start.

Factors that Affect Life Span

Several believe that only quality impacts a heating oil’s life span. While high-grade options do last longer, there are many other elements to keep in mind. One aspect is the tank’s condition, which must be clean and free of impurities. Otherwise, exposure to bacteria will cause oil degradation. Additionally, water, sludge, or rust entering this container will contribute to contamination.

The home’s size and design will also impact how quickly you run through your supply. A two-story, 5-bedroom property will require more fuel to maintain a warm environment than a one-story, two-bedroom house. Insulation is another factor to consider, as inadequate levels allow drafts into the home, increasing your reliance on the heating system.  On average, you can expect to consume between 5-7 gallons/day during a normal winter.  

How to Make it Last Longer

Heating fuel can last for a long time with optimal care and maintenance. While it has a shelf life and expires over time, you can take steps to increase its longevity. With the help of your heating oil supplier, you should have the right additives added to the tank as it’s being refueled—not after. This measure will stabilize and extend the substance’s efficiency. 

Ordering the correct amount for your home will also prove beneficial, as it prevents you from letting the fuel go to waste. Lastly, always check that the tank is clean and without leaks. If you decide to replace an older tank, there are rebate programs available to help offset the cost of a new tank.  

If you need reliable heating oil delivery and tank services, choose Bradigan’s Incorporated in Kittanning, PA. Since 1952, this company has provided customers throughout southwestern Pennsylvania with various products and services, including gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil. Customers can refuel at one of their six stations or rely on their petroleum hauling and fuel delivery. Explore their heating oil prices online, and call (724) 548-7654 for any questions.