When and why to replace your heating oil tank
Do you have an oil heating system? If so, you’re surely aware of the importance of proper maintenance. Any heating system, regardless of whether the equipment uses fuel oil, natural gas, propane, hot water, forced air, electricity or dual energy, can be compared to an automobile: it requires periodic tune-ups. Whether to improve the performance of your equipment, prevent it from breaking down, increase its energy efficiency or, most importantly, ensure the safety of your family members, if you take good care of your system, you’ll always come out ahead.
Why replace your heating oil tank?
The environmental and financial risks linked to a poorly maintained heating oil tank installation are very real. In fact, a heating oil tank that leaks, explodes or suffers damage resulting in a spill can quickly become a living nightmare. The problem is that an oil leak can easily seep underneath the house and even spread to the neighboring properties, contaminating the soil and groundwater. Demolition work may be required: you may need to have your foundation rebuilt, and if the oil has covered a large area, it may be necessary to demolish your landscaping or even your pool. In that case, the cost of cleanup could be startling: depending on the level of contamination, the bill could amount to several hundred thousand dollars! And your insurance company will only reimburse you for half of it. Luckily, you can avoid scenarios like these by replacing your oil tank. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
When to replace your heating oil tank
Some experts estimate that you should replace your heating oil tank after 25 years of regular use if it’s inside your home and after 10 years if it’s located outdoors. Nevertheless, it would seem that the average tank age in Quebec is 28 years… Therefore, it’s strongly recommended that you verify the age of your tank by checking the label. If it doesn’t have one, it’s very likely that the tank was installed before 1980. If so, you absolutely must replace it!
Detecting the warning signs
There are various signs you should be on the lookout for. If you detect dampness, the smell of oil or indications of corrosion on the walls of the tank, these are all bad omens. Likewise, if the outlet line is located on the side rather than the bottom of the tank, if the gauge or the support base is damaged or if the lines are crimped, you should have your equipment checked. You’ll then need to consider replacing the tank. Tip: if you really want peace of mind, opt for an annual maintenance contract. It will only cost you around $250 and will guarantee your comfort and safety.
How much you should plan on spending to replace your tank
It could cost you $250 or more to uninstall your old tank (and remove its contents). However, this is a small price to pay compared with the cost of a disaster! Not to mention the fact that the removal of your old tank is generally included when you have a new one installed. You should be aware, though, that you’ll probably have to spend several hundred dollars more if it proves necessary to cut the old tank in order to remove it.
Experts in oil heating: it’s their business!
For all of your heating needs, whether to ensure optimum performance, find energy-efficient solutions or take advantage of innovative installations, you can count on the experienced team at Pétrole & Propane Bélanger.