Fuel oil tanks are affixed with a whistle that engages while the tank is being filled. A functioning whistle is a critical component of your fuel oil system for both safety and efficiency. To better explain what a whistle does and why it is so important, Main Energy in Palmyra, NY, breaks it down.

Why a Working Whistle Is Key

What Is a Fuel Oil Tank Whistle?

Located in the vent pipe above the tank, the whistle is designed to sound while the tank is being filled during an oil delivery. As the oil flows inside, the air within the tank must be displaced. The whistle lets you know that the air is flowing out of the vent pipe the way it should and that oil is pumping to fill the tank.

Why Whistles Are Critical

Whistles indicate a well-maintained fuel oil system. The whistling noise allows the oil company to know when the tank is full. If the whistling continues, they will keep sending in more fuel. When it stops, the tank is at capacity.

A functioning whistle is a safety measure against a leaking tank, which is detrimental to the environment. Oil delivery personnel will not fill a tank with a malfunctioning whistle since they have no indication that the tank is in working order. They also won’t know when to stop filling, which could lead to spills and leaks.

Since the whistle provides the oil company with a gauge on how much oil is in your tank, without it, it could lead to you running out of oil when you need it most. It is best not to guess that your oil tank has enough fuel oil.

If you have a house that relies on home heating oil, make sure your tank has a vent and whistle system in place. Sometimes, the necessary repair is simply a good cleaning. Depending on the location, it may be easier to replace the vent and whistle system altogether. For outdoor systems, make sure things like ice and debris aren’t blocking it. To ensure your tank’s components are installed correctly, it is best to call the oil company and have one of their technicians inspect it.

Main Energy is your trusted source for fuel oil and oil delivery services in Palmyra, NY. Family-owned, this oil company provides quality kerosene, propane, gasoline, and home heating oil at affordable rates. To view their list of services, visit them online or call (315) 597-5200.