During the summer months, it may be easy to forget about our heating oil systems and sit back and wait for the next winter as its most active time is no doubt during the winter months. However, it is beneficial to take the time to keep an eye on your oil tank during the summer months.
It may be the last thing you want to think about when you are soaking up the sun, but the heat and the humidity of the summer months can really affect your oil tanks. This is because the warm air can cause condensation and moist air to build up in your tank which can create a sludgy mix at the bottom. With the recent heatwave around the UK, we thought it would be good to provide you with some tips to look after your oil tanks this summer.
Regularly check on it
As obvious as it may sound, if you want something to work as efficiently as possible, you have to maintain it. This applies to your oil tank as well. Throughout the summer, you should conduct an inspection every few weeks. By regularly checking your tank, you can keep it free from leaks. This will help you save money in the long run and also protect the environment.
Fill it up
Most people leave their oil tanks empty or with a little bit of heating oil in them over the summer. Although this might seem like a good idea, leaving your tank empty can allow moisture to build up and lead to corrosion. Filling up your tank over the summer is an easy and effective way to prevent this. As a result, moisture will be less likely to accumulate in the tank if there is less space.
When a partially empty tank is left for long periods of time, bacteria will develop on the surface of the water and then die, falling to the bottom. As a result, sludgy sediment accumulates, eventually causing the system to fail.
Secure your tank
There is a high cost associated with heating oil tanks and the fuel oil itself, which is vulnerable to fuel theft. You should therefore secure and protect your tank using a variety of security solutions, such as tank locks, security alarms, and lights. You may also want to consider installing a CCTV system if you have a large domestic tank.
Get your tank serviced
Because you won’t be using much of your heating oil tank during the summer, it’s a good time to schedule a routine maintenance check with your local heating oil expert. It is more likely that they will be available to help you during the summer because there is less demand for engineers. The second benefit is that it will ensure that your heating system is in tip-top shape during the cold winter months.
Here at QUAD Fuels, we can supply fuel tanks if you require any quotes, replacement tanks or even a tank removal service.
Give us a call today to discuss your fuel tank needs; for our Colwyn Bay depot – 01492 353103, for our Wrexham depot – 01978 423150.