Now that winter is fast approaching, many are thinking of turning on their heating to stay warm until the spring.
According to the Department for Energy and Climate Change, two thirds of heating oil consumption is used between the months of October and March.
With this in mind, we have put together our tips on making sure your tank is in good condition for the colder weather.
Check your levels. We often see a significant rise in demand for heating oil as temperatures drop, and this can mean prices rise. Place your fuel order early to ensure you catch the pre-winter prices and get your delivery in before the weather deteriorates.
In addition if you leave your oil levels to run too low or empty, you have a higher risk of sludge being disturbed while refilling, which can mean blockages and potential engineer callouts. It is a good idea to clear any sludge which may have built if your tank is a large bulk storage tank.
An excellent solution for the monitoring and checking of tank levels is the range of Apollo flowmeters and gauges which you will find on our website.
Check for damage. It is important to regularly check your tank for any damage – rust, cracks, bulges etc, especially when the weather is colder. Even a small insignificant crack in the tank base or pipework can expand with lower temperatures.
Unattended damage can result in fuel leakage, which is not only harmful to the environment but also could result in blockages and the possibility of boiler damage and costly repair bills. You may need to consider preventative repair or replacement to get your heating system up to speed.
Neil Paisley, from the Environment Agency’s Environmental Management team, said:
Heating oil can cause serious problems if it gets into the environment. But it’s not just the cost of losing the oil that can be expensive, clean-up costs can be large and are not always covered by household insurance policies.
This is why it is vital that oil is only ever stored in tanks that are in good condition. Both the tank and pipe work should be regularly inspected and people should never buy more oil than they can safely store.
Make your tank secure. It is more common to hear of fuel theft during the winter. Ensure your tank is lockable, and that the lock hasn’t become rusty. It may need to be lubricated so that the lock doesn’t seize up. Maybe even consider an alarm for added security.
If you are looking for a fuel storage tank or any associated tank accessories, pipes & fittings please get in touch with us.
Phone 01953 665941, email info@tanks-uk.com or visit www.tanks-uk.com : we will be happy to help you!