The seasons are changing here in Maryland, and soon it will be time to give your heating system a much-needed rest for a few months. Before you do that, we suggest doing two things, if you haven’t already: schedule routine heating maintenance and top of your tank.

The first of these suggestions is probably obvious – after all, just about any home comfort equipment needs a little TLC to keep it running efficiently and reliably year after year. But why schedule a heating oil delivery when you’re not going to use your heating system for another few months?

To help keep your tank from corroding.

The Problem With Condensation

As seasons change, water (condensation) forms inside your oil tank, the same way it forms on a cold glass during the summer. More water will form inside an empty tank than one filled with fuel.

Condensation is bad news for two reasons: first, a damp environment will encourage bacteria growth in your fuel oil. Over time, that bacteria will turn your heating oil into a thick fuel line- and burner nozzle-clogging sludge. Second, water – which is heavier than oil – will sink to the bottom of the tank, rusting it from the inside out. That will eventually lead to a tank leak, or worse. And the worst part? You might not see it coming until it’s too late.

The bottom line is that a build-up of condensation is not good for your heating oil tank, and keeping oil in your tank during the offseason is an easy way to reduce the chances of it happening. Topping off your tank now could also be a good way to save some money, since heating oil prices are often at their lowest during the offseason.

Need to top off your heating tank this summer? We can help you with an offseason heating oil delivery in Maryland. Contact Q-Dog today to schedule your heating oil delivery in MD!