How Safe Is Heating Oil For My Family?

Heating oil has been keeping Americans warm for more than a century – a testament to the simple effectiveness of the fuel compared to its alternatives. But how does heating oil stack up against other fuel sources when it comes to safety?

As it turns out, heating oil is at the top of that heap, too.

Heating oil safety starts with properties of the fuel itself: unlike natural gas, heating oil will not burn in conditions you would normally find in your home. In fact, heating oil cannot burn at all in its liquid state: before combustion can occur, heating oil must be vaporized by your burner at temperatures above 140°.

Fewer carbon monoxide risks, too

Carbon monoxide – the dangerous and potentially deadly gas produced when any fuel burns – is a hazard to take very seriously. Although both oil and gas combustion produce CO, a heating oil burner malfunction will produce smoke – a natural warning to people in your home. A gas burner, on the other hand, will produce only colorless, odorless carbon monoxide, making a buildup of CO harder to detect.

If your oil furnace is producing smoke or soot, contact us right away — this is a sign your equipment has an issue with carbon monoxide. It’s also critical to have tested and working carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and to know the telltale symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.

Heating oil storage

Another safety improvement in today’s world of heating oil is the development of double wall oil storage tanks. Steel on the outside with a plastic or fiberglass inner lining, modern oil tanks are virtually leak proof.

Regular heating maintenance is key

Like any equipment that burns fuel, the key to keeping your oil-fired furnace or boiler operating safely is routine professional heating maintenance. During an annual heating tune-up, a technician will perform a range of tests to make sure your heating equipment is working properly; if he spots a potential safety issue or some other problem, he’ll take care of it right away.

Today’s heating Oil – one of the best and safest ways to heat your Hudson Valley home. Contact us today to become a Bottini customer and keep the reliable heating oil deliveries coming all fall and winter long. If you need heating system maintenance and repairs in the Hudson Valley, we can help you there, too, with expert services available from top quality technicians.