Summer health check for your heating tank

by Susan B. Media

You probably would have thought that summer isn’t the time you should be thinking about your heating for the winter, but it’s actually the ideal time.

Maintenance:

· Check for any cracks, deep scratches, bulges, rust or discolouration. Water or sludge that has got into the tank can completely clog up pipework, not to mention damage and corrode heating systems.

· Look out for oil that might have leaked externally, paying special attention to pipes, seams and valves.

· Clear any large amounts of water, leaves, rubbish that have accumulated on and around the tank or any plants that have started growing near your tank.

· Compile an “Oil Spill” kit, filled with drain blockers, sealing putty for leaks, and absorbent materials (to absorb spills). The clean-up of oil spills can cost thousands, so make sure that you have insurance that covers the cost of replacing lost oil, be it stolen or leaked, and the clean-up of the environment for accidental loss. Ensure you have a high enough liability limit to cover the cost of cleaning up your home or neighbouring land.

Summer is when a surplus of oil occurs, causing many companies to lower their heating oil prices, making it perfect for you to stock up before the cold weather sets in at a lower price than it will be in the depths of winter.

Discounts are available with the more oil you buy. It is also possible to bulk-buy cheap heating oil as part of a group, called an oil cooperative, as the bigger the buy, the bigger the savings. Joining a group gets you a great price.

What are your thoughts on preparing your heating oil tank for summer? Do you compare heating oil prices? Let us know in the comments!