Is Heating Oil Really Safe For Your Home?

Heating oil has been a heating mainstay in American homes for more than 100 years – a testament to the simple effectiveness of the fuel. But how does heating oil stack up against other fuel sources when it comes to safety?

Actually, it more than holds its own on that front, too.

Heating oil safety starts with the combustion characteristics 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: it will only burn under the specific conditions that your equipment creates in its combustion chamber.

Oil Has Fewer Carbon Monoxide Risks Than Gas

Although all fuels produce potentially dangerous carbon monoxide when burned, 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.

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.

The Key To Heating Oil Safety: Routine Maintenance

As is true with any equipment that burns fuel, the key to keeping your heating system operating safely is routine heating maintenance from a licensed heating professional. 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 Rhode Island or southeastern Massachusetts home. Contact us today to become a Discount Oil Brokers customer and keep the reliable heating oil deliveries coming all fall and winter long. If you need heating system maintenance and repairs in RI or MA, we can help you there, too, with expert service from top quality, licensed technicians.

*If your oil furnace is producing smoke or soot, contact us right away — your equipment could be emitting carbon monoxide into your home. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home and are familiar with the telltale symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.