Temperatures are rising, and the air is getting warm, signaling that delightful spring is happening once again. Buds and blooms appear, birds sing, and everything tells you to enjoy the fantastic weather.
There's no need to be cooped up any longer, so go ahead and turn off your heater. But, before you put your thick jackets aside, take time to give your heating oil tank some love for keeping you warm throughout winter. It's done an excellent job these past months that it's best to include it in your annual spring cleaning routine. Doing so prolongs the life of your oil tank and lessens the need for costly repairs. Come to think of it, spring maintenance for your heating oil tank can spell the difference between a cozy winter and a frozen disaster.
Here’s how you can go about it:
1. Step In, Step Out
The warm rays of spring sunshine are peeking through the windows, and it's probably bright enough to cast its light in your basement, where your heating oil tank is waiting for some recognition. It's done a great job of keeping you warm through winter that it deserves a pat on the back, er, tank. Annual maintenance checks on your heating system make sense as these can help you evaluate its condition and patch it up before things turn into costly and, most of the time, untimely repairs.
In case your heating oil tank is outdoors, the sunshine and ideal weather can keep you company when you assess its components. You've got long days ahead, so make the most out of them by getting ready to get down and dirty in case your tank needs work.
2. Check It Out
Spring is your heating tank’s resting state and the best time to give it a rundown. You can use the daylight saving time to your advantage by checking out the tank in and out, back and forth, top to bottom.
You can start by checking the tank’s support legs for any signs of cracks, settling, or rust. Experts such as Haly Oil recommend that the heating oil tank should sit on an even concrete floor inside or outside your house to ensure it remains stable. If you notice any settling or cracks, you’ll need to do some repairs for the legs and the ground to support the tank’s weight. You'll also need to inspect the tank's components to ensure there aren't any leaking valves, vents, or fuel delivery lines. Furthermore, make sure the insulation, seal cap, and vent caps are tightly closed.
In case your heating oil tank is in your yard, you'll want to keep it looking superb and free from any oil puddles for the upcoming weekend barbecue. Make sure to include leak sealing putty and sorbent materials to remedy spills. You want to make sure the only thing you're roasting is food and nothing or no one else.
3. Get Down And Dirty
There’s no snow or heavy rains to bother you while you’re out and about checking your tank. Take a peek inside and see if there’s some sludge sitting at the bottom of the tank, and get ready as things can become messy from here on. You’ll need to drain the tank and scrub off the excess sludge with a cleaner. You may need to contact your local disposal unit as this isn’t regular waste and needs proper disposal.
While you're at it, check your tank's exterior up close. In case you notice it's getting rusty, then it's time to get dirty once again. Put on your work clothes and grab a paintbrush. Please give it a nice coat in whatever color you prefer so you can extend the life of your heating oil tank.
4. Spring Refill
It may sound weird to refuel your tank when you don't need it until later in the year, but filling your tank with heating oil makes sense if you realize that the humid spring weather can cause moisture to build inside your tank. A nearly empty tank has more room for moisture to settle, and it can cause the tank to corrode in time. It's best to keep the tank full during spring so you don't have to worry about moisture and corrosion. Besides, fuel prices are lower during spring, when there’s less demand.
5. Bring In The Expert
While checking out your heating oil tank can be pretty much a DIY spring project, there are instances when you'll need to have an HVAC professional perform inspections and repairs. They can check and secure pipe connections that you may have missed during your initial checkup. They may even assess your tank or the furnace, and recommend a replacement. Bringing experts early on ensures timely repairs and saves you the stress of doing them in the middle of a cold winter.
Conclusion
Heating oil tanks are the unsung heroes of cozy homes during winter that deserve due attention during spring. The weather and everything excellent about the season make it practical to perform checkup and repairs as part of a spring cleaning to-do list or a professional's routine maintenance. Spring also serves as a suitable time for a refill as prices and demands are low. Regular cleaning and repair can help lengthen your heating equipment's lifespan and ensure the cold will never bother you in any way.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Talk to me!