How Long Does Heating Oil Last In The Tank?

One of the worst things that can happen is running out of fuel oil when you need it the most. To keep this from happening, many consumers will buy their fuel oil in bulk. Not only will this ensure that they have oil when they need it, but they can also get a discount when buying in bulk. When consumers order a heating oil delivery Tuckerton NJ and buy in bulk, they can use some of the oil for the current season and they may have some leftover for later use.

While we believe that stocking up on oil is convenient…

and it makes financial sense, most homeowners do this without knowing whether or not oil expires. In fact, heating oil does have an expiration date. Point Bay Fuel is a company that sells and delivers high-quality heating oil in the area. In this article, we have shared some tips on how to store your oil to keep it from going bad.

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An Overview Of Heating Oil

Heating oil, or furnace or boiler heating oil, is made from the fractional processing of crude oil. This is known as No. 2 oil. This oil is similar to the diesel fuel that is used in diesel cars and trucks. The difference between No. 2 oil and the oil that is used in vehicles is the additives that are used to enhance engine performance which is not necessary for No. 2 oil. Also, it is a different color because road taxes have not been paid on heating oil.

What Makes Heating Oil Go Bad?

If you are going to store fuel oil for a long period of time, it can begin to degrade due to various reasons. First, the bacteria in your oil tank and in the oil itself can degrade the oil over time. Next, oil and acids can greatly decrease the shelf life of your oil. Water can also impede the combustibility of your stored oil. To keep these things from happening, you need to make sure that your oil tank is sealed properly. Thirdly, there are certain contaminants such as curd, paint, sludge, and rust that can make your oil go bad over time.

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Heating Oil Tank Tips

Before storing oil, you should make sure that the oil tank is clean. It is best to use premium oil because it has additives in it that will reduce the amount of sludge and sediment that can accumulate in the tank. Also, you should never store motor oil in your storage tank, even if it is empty.

What Is The Typical Shelf Life Of Heating Oil?

Typically, fuel oil can last between 18 and 24 months without decaying. This is true as long as it has the right additives blended in and if it is stored correctly. When the proper additives are put in the oil, it will stabilize it, increasing the shelf life. When the oil is delivered to your home, additives should then be introduced. High-quality oil also has additives already added to prevent sludge and sediment from building up.

It is important to understand…

that if your heating oil is already beginning to degrade, there is nothing that you can add to rejuvenate it.

Heating Oil Additives

As mentioned above, you need more than the right additives to keep your heating oil in good shape. The condition of your storage tank will also increase the shelf life of your oil. You should make sure that your tank is sealed well and free from anything that could contaminate it. Also, try to figure out how much oil you are going to need for the heating season. This will allow you to order just the right amount. If you have too much leftover after the heating season and your tank doesn’t properly store it, your oil company might need to remove it, which will cost you more money.

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Conclusion

Under the right conditions, heating oil can last for 18 to 24 months. You would need to make sure that the right additives are in the oil and that you are storing the oil correctly. Certain factors, such as water, rust, paint, and bacteria can cause your oil to decay quickly. Finally, when you schedule your oil delivery, you should be sure to order premium oil.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your Heating Oil Requirements

Contact Point Bay Fuel for high-quality heating oil delivery. All of our oil has UltraGuard in it. This is an oil additive that prevents sludge from forming in your tank. It provides stability to your oil which enhances the performance of your heater. It extends the lifespan of your heating system and your fuel oil tank. We have different delivery options along with different payment options. We also offer HVAC services such as heater tune-ups which also optimizes your heating system’s operation.  Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

We service Barnegat NJ 08005, Beach Haven NJ 08008, Leeds Point NJ 08220, Manahawkin NJ 08050, New Gretna NJ 08224, Oceanville NJ 08231, Port Republic NJ 08241, Tuckerton NJ 08087, West Creek NJ 08092, and surrounding areas.

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What Is A Boiler Expansion Tank?

Have you ever heard a loud booming sound when you switch off your shower? You might even have gotten scared that your water heater might explode. An HVAC technician might have also told you that you need a boiler expansion tank replacement but offered no other explanation. Don’t fret! This article will discuss what you need to know about boiler relief tanks.

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What Is A Boiler Expansion Tank?

A boiler expansion tank is a vital water heating system component. It is a small tank that is located at the top of the water boiler. Its job is to provide space for when the heated water expands. It has a diaphragm in the middle, and it is what separates the tank into two. One part is where the expanded water goes to. The other is an air cushion for the changes happening and to regulate the pressure buildup from the water heating process.

Older expansion tanks used to be a single-section unit only. The new design was to ensure that air does not enter the boiler and cause corrosion. Expansion tanks are helpful in the water heating and cooling processes. These tanks prevent some of the causes of water hammer or hydraulic shock.

Water Hammer Definition

Also called hydraulic shock, water hammer is a common occurrence that can lead to worn out parts in your water heating equipment. If you’ve heard a loud bang when you switch off your bathtub or faucet, then the cause is likely because of the abrupt change in the water flow direction. This phenomenon can be annoying. It can also cause the pipes and the heating system to deteriorate faster. A boiler expansion tank can help prevent this issue as well as preserve your heating unit.

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Kinds Of Boiler Expansion Tanks

The two different kinds of boiler expansion tanks are as follows:

Steel Type Expansion Tanks

This expansion tank model is typically seen in older homes. This has been used for decades and has no diaphragm. Therefore, the water and air touch each other, so corrosion needs to be avoided as much as possible. A steel type expansion tank is equipped with a sight glass. It is a small window that allows you to view the water-to-air ratio in the tank.

The right water to air ratio is dependent on different factors, including what material the convectors are made of and the amount of water the heating tank can hold. Some of the problems you might encounter with a steel type tank are tank flooding, malfunctioning gaskets, and corrosion. Call your local trusted tech to help you find the correct size of steel type expansion tank for your boiler.

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Bladder Type Expansion Tanks

On the other hand, this expansion tank model has a diaphragm. This feature allows bladder type expansion tanks to have longer-lasting capabilities. Although having the diaphragm means that the water and air are separated, the air inside the system is still not eradicated. The air should be removed from the tank. Seek professional help to determine how much pressure is allowed within your system. An HVAC expert can also help you find the correct bladder expansion tank size for your boiler tank.

Is Your Expansion Tank Working Properly?

One of the most common reasons your expansion tank isn’t working correctly is incorrect chamber pressures. Steel expansion tanks are equipped with a pressure relief valve. Check it and see if it is venting hot water. This is an indication that the tank pressure is having an issue. Look through the sight glass to see if the pressure is off. If you have a bladder tank, you can check the pressure on the diaphragm’s air section to determine if there is a need to drain the water so that the tank can be refilled with air.

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Conclusion

Heating systems typically have one or more boiler expansion tanks. However, not all homeowners know for what purpose they are there. These tanks help with pressure regularization in your heating system during the boiler tank’s water heating process. It helps prevent a lot of boiler tank problems, including overpressurization and water hammer. This way, you help prolong your heating system’s lifespan. Contact Point Bay Fuel today and get a free installation quote!

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Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides superior heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Rest assured that we only hire highly-trained and professionally certified technicians. We conduct exceptional HVAC services, such as boiler installation, furnace replacement, AC maintenance, and ductless repairs. Each of our friendly techs is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in conducting accurate and prompt repairs.

Our company offers affordable and the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We provide maintenance services to improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need a replacement system, we can recommend the best make and model for your home and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, so all our works come with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment with Point Bay Fuel today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

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What Is The Best Temperature For A Home In The Winter?

A warm and comfortable home during the winter season should be a priority. To do this, you have to determine the best temperature for heater in winter. A lot of factors need to be considered so that you get the best possible results. This way, you not only make your family comfortable, but you also ensure that your heating system is operating at a high energy-efficient level. After all, no homeowner wants to burn a hole in their pockets for their comfort.

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Determining The Best Furnace Temperature For Your Home

The following factors can help you find the ideal thermostat setting for your home during the cold season:

Home Heating Costs

Consider your monthly heating budget before you think to crank up your thermostat settings. This way, you do not have to worry about the costs each month. If you have a low budget, set the temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce your energy costs. If you have older people at home who might want a warmer indoor environment, you can set it all the way up to 75 degrees.

Before you increase the heat, try dressing in warmer clothes, like thick sweaters, and drink warm drinks. It is also a good idea to install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to lower the temperature when you leave the house for prolonged periods. You can also set it to crank up the heat before you go home. After all, it is pointless to heat an unoccupied home.

Check all your windows and doors and make sure they are closed and locked. Get all holes, cracks, and gaps around them sealed. This way, the cold air is kept outside.

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The Number Of People In Your Home

All people that live in your home require warmth. Therefore, you should consider the number of people in your home so that everyone will remain comfortable and warm. This can be tricky as there might be a lot of complaints and problems in this regard. After all, everyone has different preferences when it comes to the thermostat setting. The ideal temperature is generally around 68 degrees. This temperature allows your home to be both energy efficient and comfortable.

How Old Is Your Furnace?

Determine your furnace’s age and condition before you expect a lot out of it. It might be over 20 years old, so it might be challenging to get it to work like it used to. Your furnace’s age affects how well it can keep your home warm and how efficient it is. You might have to pay more just to keep your home warm. It is a good idea to replace your furnace if it has already worked well past its life expectancy. A new system might be expensive initially, but it will provide you the needed warmth and comfort in an energy-efficient manner.

Make sure to get your furnace maintained at least once a year as well. A professional will conduct a thorough inspection and checkup to ensure that your system is in tiptop shape. Their checklist includes replacing dirty filters, cleaning the indoor coil and outdoor ring, adjusting for peak efficiency, lubricating the belts, among others.

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How Many Floors Does Your Home Have?

It is more challenging to keep a home with two or more stories warm during the winter season. The first floor tends to be colder than the top floors. It will be easier to distribute warm air evenly on all floors if you have two thermostats at home. This allows you to set the temperature to meet your home’s needs. However, this also means that you’ll have higher heating bills. If the upstairs is unoccupied for long periods, keep the temperature at a lower setting to be more energy-efficient.

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Invest In A Programmable Thermostat

Your daily activities can also affect how warm you need to keep your home. For example, if you leave the house for long periods or are only home every weekend, then consider setting the thermostat at a lower temperature. This way, it doesn’t waste energy and you become more cost-effective. You can also try lowering the temperature when you sleep the night as your thick blankets can help keep you warm enough. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t lower your thermostat by more than 6 to 8 degrees at a time.

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Home Heating Efficiency Tips

No homeowner wants to pay an arm and a leg for their home heating bills. Therefore, we have listed some cost-effective tips that you can do at home. These include:

• Have all gaps, cracks, and holes around your windows and doors sealed with caulking
• Ensure that your furnace receives annual HVAC tune-ups
• Clean or replace the HVAC filters when needed
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat
• Make sure to dress warmly, drink hot tea or milk, and do other things to help you increase comfort without the need to increase the thermostat temperature

 

Final Thoughts

Keep your family comfortable through the winter months without hassle or worry. Being cost-effective while ensuring that your home is warm is always something to strive for. Make sure your home is safe and warm, so you enjoy a home that allows you to have a joyous winter.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides high-quality heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Our professionally certified HVAC contractors conduct excellent HVAC services, including boiler repairs, AC repairs, ductless installations, furnace replacements, and much more. Rest assured that all our friendly techs have extensive skills, experience, and knowledge to perform accurate and prompt services.

Our company guarantees affordable HVAC service rates in the area. We can help increase your comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness with our heating and air conditioning services. If you need to replace your current system, we can help you find the best make and model to fit your home and budget. All our services come with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Book an appointment with Point Bay Fuel today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
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5 Myths About HVAC Services

Knowledge is power. With the right information, anyone is able to make the right choices. Alternatively, incorrect information can cause anyone to make bad choices. It is unfortunate that there is a lot of misinformation out there. So many people believe in myths which blind them from the truth. This includes some homeowners who have been misinformed about HVAC services or heating and cooling maintenance. As such, they haven’t been making smart decisions when it comes to their heating and air conditioning units.

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5 Main Myths About HVAC Services

This article mainly focuses on HVAC service myths and system maintenance every homeowner must be aware of.

Myth 1: You Only Need To Replace The Air Filter Once Per Year

There are people who have been misinformed and they firmly believe that changing the HVAC air filter at least once a year is enough. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Heating and cooling air filters must be replaced every quarter or even every month if you want your unit to run smoothly. Of course, this depends on your home and the factors that influence the condition of your filter.

The filter plays a very important role when it comes to indoor air quality. The function of the filter is to catch unwanted particulates like pet hair, pollen, dust, and more. This means that a well-functioning filter will improve indoor air quality. You and your loved ones will not have to worry about respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. But in order for the filter to work efficiently, it needs to be replaced as soon as it has a considerable layer of dirt. If it is not replaced frequently, it will affect the quality of air in your home.

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Myth 2: The Bigger The HVAC Unit, The Better

It probably makes sense to some people that if they install a big HVAC system, they will get the most out of that unit. But this is not true; that is not how HVAC systems work. It is very important that you choose the right-size HVAC unit for your home. If you install a huge air conditioner in a small room, you will risk short cycling the unit, resulting in quick wear and tear. The system will also be unable to minimize indoor humidity. If you want to prevent early replacement, make sure that you consult an HVAC expert for accurate sizing.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need HVAC Maintenance Work Unless The System Is Faulty

HVAC manufacturers always provide maintenance guidelines that homeowners must follow. Unfortunately, some people do not think that following those guidelines is necessary, especially if the unit seems to be working as it should. To such people, spending money on regular maintenance is a waste of money. They are only willing to part with their hard-earned cash when the machine breaks down. But those guidelines were put in place for a reason. If your unit is serviced by a professional on a regular basis, you will actually prevent expensive system breakdowns.

Therefore, it is actually cheaper to maintain the unit as opposed to fixing it when it breaks down. You might also be under the impression that, should the system malfunction, you can simply take it back to the manufacturer as the manufacturer is mandated to honor the warranty. But if the manufacturer’s prescribed maintenance schedule was not adhered to, the manufacturer can refuse to honor the warranty. So, make sure that you contact an expert HVAC contractor to carry out tune-ups at least once every year.

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Myth 4: Spotting Air Leaks Around The House Is Very Easy

HVAC units use a lot of energy to give you the desired temperature. But air leaks can develop in the system, causing some of the heated air to escape. This means the system will be forced to work even harder to give you the desired temperature. The only solution is to find the gaps, holes, and cracks that are causing the air to escape and then seal them up. Unfortunately, they are very hard to find. You can try to find them, but the chances that you will succeed are very limited. You need a professional with a trained eye and specialized tools to find the leaks in the ductwork and the rest of the house.

Myth 5: The Thermostat Alone Can Be Relied On To Regulate Indoor Temperature

The main function of the thermostat is to sense ambient temperature and control the unit’s operation. All you have to do is to input the settings that you want and it will do the rest. The thermostat is in most cases quite reliable. But there are cases where it does not perform optimally. For instance, if it is located close to a window, direct sunlight can affect its readings during the day. Also, if there are too many air leaks in your home and bad insulation, this will also affect the functioning of the thermostat. For the best performance of the thermostat, contact an HVAC technician so that s/he can carry out regular maintenance.

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Conclusion

Myths come about when people do not fully comprehend how things work. The more correct information you get about heating and cooling systems, the less you will be a victim of these myths. If you are not certain about something, simply ask your reliable HVAC technician for advice.

Contact Point Bay Fuel For Professional Home Comfort Solutions

Point Bay Fuel offers the best heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. We only hire skilled and certified technicians who will give you outstanding HVAC maintenance services, repairs, installations, as well as replacements. All our techs have the skills and experience to service your HVAC system appropriately. We offer practical solutions that will help to enhance your indoor air quality, boost system efficiency, and improve your level of comfort.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most affordable heating and cooling services in the area. We offer maintenance services that lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system and lessen the energy bill. If it so happens that you require an HVAC repair or replacement system, we are there to recommend the ideal system for your home based on your budget. All our work is backed by a guarantee for your satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment, contact Point Bay Fuel today. We offer in-home estimates for free.

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