As temperatures drop, your heating system will soon be working overtime. Before it does, take a few minutes to inspect your oil or propane tank. A quick check now can help you avoid leaks, service interruptions, and costly repairs down the line.
Here’s a simple checklist from Santa Energy to help you keep your tank safe, accessible, and running efficiently.
Walk around your tank and check for any visible leaks, dark stains, or damp areas near the base or along the lines. Even small spots of oil or propane residue can signal a problem. Catching these early helps prevent damage to your property and the environment.
Surface rust might seem harmless, but over time it can weaken the tank’s metal and lead to leaks. Pay special attention to the tank’s bottom, seams, and connection points. If you notice heavy rust or corrosion, it’s best to have a professional take a closer look.
Make sure your delivery driver can easily and safely access your fill pipe or propane tank. Trim back overgrown shrubs, shovel snow when necessary, and remove any obstacles that could block delivery hoses. Clear access not only makes deliveries safer but also ensures your fill-ups stay on schedule.
Most oil and propane tanks have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. If yours is older, it may be time to think about a replacement before problems arise. Not sure how old your tank is? Santa Energy can help you determine its age and whether it’s still in good condition.
Your tank should sit level on a solid foundation, not leaning or shifting. A tilted or uneven tank can strain fittings, causing leaks or line damage. Check that it’s properly supported and not resting directly on soil or soft ground.
If your oil or propane level is running low, schedule a delivery before you run out—especially during peak heating months. Running empty can cause system issues and may require a service visit to restart.
Even if everything looks fine, it’s smart to have a technician inspect your system annually. A professional can spot early signs of wear, test safety valves, and make sure everything is operating efficiently.
Whether you use heating oil or propane, Santa Energy’s team can inspect your tank, provide maintenance recommendations, and help you plan for the season ahead.
Schedule a Tank Check or call 800-937-2682 to set up your appointment today.
When you flip the switch on your thermostat to ward off the winter chill, do you ever wonder about the journey of the fuel that warms your home? Home heating oil, a staple for many households, undergoes a fascinating transformation from its raw form in crude oil to the refined product that fuels your furnace. Join us as we explore the distillation process that turns crude oil into the comforting warmth of home heating oil.
1. The Source: Crude Oil
It all begins deep beneath the Earth’s surface, where crude oil, a mixture of hydrocarbons, lies trapped in underground reservoirs. Crude oil is a complex substance containing a variety of compounds, ranging from light gasses to heavy, viscous liquids. It’s extracted from the ground through drilling and brought to the surface for processing.
2. Fractional Distillation: Separating the Components
Once crude oil reaches the surface, it undergoes a process called fractional distillation at oil refineries. This process involves heating the crude oil in a large distillation tower, where it’s separated into its various components based on their boiling points.
As the crude oil is heated, lighter compounds with lower boiling points, such as methane and propane, vaporize first and rise to the top of the distillation tower. These gasses are collected and used for various purposes, including fuel for heating and cooking.
3. Mid-Distillates: Diesel and Home Heating Oil
As the temperature in the distillation tower increases, heavier compounds with higher boiling points begin to vaporize. These mid-distillates include diesel fuel and home heating oil. They’re collected at specific levels within the distillation tower and undergo further processing to remove impurities and adjust their properties.
4. Refining for Home Use: Treating Heating Oil
Once the mid-distillates are collected, they undergo additional refining processes to prepare them for use as home heating oil. This includes removing sulfur and other impurities to improve the fuel’s cleanliness and efficiency. Additives may also be blended into the heating oil to enhance its performance and stability during storage and combustion.
5. Distribution and Delivery
After refining, the home heating oil is ready for distribution to homes and businesses. It’s typically transported via tanker trucks and delivered to customers’ oil tanks, where it awaits use in furnaces and boilers to provide warmth and comfort during the colder months.
6. Combustion: Providing Comfort
Finally, when you turn up the thermostat and ignite your furnace or boiler, the home heating oil is drawn from the tank and pumped to the burner. There, it’s atomized into a fine mist, mixed with air, and ignited to produce a controlled flame. This flame heats the air or water that circulates through your home’s heating system, providing the cozy warmth you rely on.
The journey of home heating oil from crude to comfort is a remarkable process that relies on careful distillation, refining, and distribution. From its origins deep within the Earth to the warmth it provides in your home, heating oil plays a crucial role in keeping us comfortable during the coldest months of the year. So the next time you feel the comforting heat of your furnace, take a moment to appreciate the journey that brought it to you—from crude to comfort. Contact Santa Energy with any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling equipment this spring and summer.
In the chilly embrace of Northeastern winters, the choice of a heating system plays a crucial role in maintaining comfort and warmth within homes. While electric heating systems are prevalent, many households in the Northeast United States continue to favor heating oil as a preferred choice for residential heating. Here are a few reasons why:
Cost Efficiency:
One of the primary reasons homeowners in the Northeast opt for heating oil is its cost efficiency. This translates to lower energy bills, making heating oil an economically viable choice for many households.
Consistent and Powerful Heat Output:
Heating oil systems deliver a consistent and powerful heat output, especially crucial during the harsh winter months. The high energy density of heating oil ensures that homes warm up quickly and stay comfortably heated for extended periods. This reliability is particularly valued in regions where frigid temperatures demand a robust and steadfast heating source.
Longer Lifespan of Heating Equipment:
Heating oil systems are known for their durability and longevity. The equipment associated with heating oil, such as furnaces and boilers, tends to have a longer lifespan compared to electric heating units. This durability not only provides homeowners with a reliable heating source but also reduces the frequency of replacements and associated costs.
For homeowners in the Northeast United States, the choice of a heating system is a critical decision that directly impacts comfort, cost, and resilience during winter. Heating oil stands out as a superior option, offering cost efficiency, consistent heat output, independence from power grids, and longer-lasting equipment. While electric heating has its merits, the unique demands of Northeastern winters make heating oil a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable, powerful, and cost-effective solution to keep the winter chill at bay. Santa Energy is here for you 24/7, always. Need emergency service or fuel delivery? We can help — call 800-937-2682. Our phones are staffed by Santa employees at all times.
As winter settles in, optimizing your home heating system can be a smart and eco-conscious way to stay warm while minimizing oil consumption. Home heating oil remains a reliable source of warmth, and by adopting a few energy-efficient practices, you can enhance its effectiveness and reduce your overall oil usage. Let’s explore ten ways to achieve efficient heating while still enjoying the comfort of home heating oil.
1. Regular Maintenance and Tune-Ups:
Schedule annual maintenance for your heating system. Regular tune-ups help maintain peak performance, ensuring that your system runs efficiently and uses less oil to produce the desired warmth. The best time to schedule a tune-up is between August and September, so put that on your calendar and make sure to schedule yours as soon as possible.
2. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat:
Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to control heating schedules more effectively. Lowering the temperature when you’re away or sleeping and raising it when you’re home can lead to substantial oil savings.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate:
Proper insulation and sealing air leaks in your home can significantly reduce heat loss. Insulate walls, ceilings, and floors, and use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors.
4. Install Heat Reflectors:
Place reflective panels behind radiators. This simple trick redirects heat back into the room, ensuring it doesn’t get absorbed by the walls.
5. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically:
In winter, spin ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air more effectively, and in summer spin counterclockwise to keep cool. This helps distribute heat evenly, reducing the need to crank up the thermostat in the winter or the AC in the summer.
6. Invest in a Modern, High-Efficiency Boiler:
Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency boiler can significantly reduce oil consumption. Newer models are designed to maximize fuel efficiency, ensuring more heat is produced from each gallon of oil.
7. Zone Heating:
Consider implementing zone heating by using individual room heaters or adjusting radiator valves. This allows you to heat only the areas in use, optimizing oil consumption.
8. Upgrade Windows to Energy-Efficient Models:
Energy-efficient windows with proper insulation can prevent heat loss. Consider upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane windows for improved thermal performance.
9. Home Energy Assessment:
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have an expert give your home an energy checkup and do some of the work right then and there? You can. The average home in Connecticut receives about $1,000 in services and realizes around $200 in savings on their annual energy bills.
10. Explore Renewable Energy Options:
Supplement your heating system with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or a solar water heater. Santa Energy can install solar panels for your home or business — get a quote today. While not a direct replacement for home heating oil, incorporating renewables can reduce overall energy consumption.
Efficient heating doesn’t mean sacrificing warmth; it’s about optimizing your resources. By adopting these ten strategies, you can use less oil while still embracing the comfort and reliability of home heating oil. Investing in modern technology, maintaining your system, and making energy-conscious choices not only reduce your environmental footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective home heating experience. Stay warm, cozy, and remember that Santa Energy is here for you 24/7, always. Need emergency service or fuel delivery? We can help — call 800-937-2682. Our phones are staffed by Santa employees at all times.
Think about all the possessions in your home. How many of them are more than 20 years old? And, of the possessions that are older than 20 years, do you refer to them as antiques?
While antiques hold precious memories and look good as decor, they aren’t always known for their functionality. (Do you plan your vacations using an old world globe?)
So with that, we ask… Is your heating oil tank an antique?
Old heating oil tanks are prone to breaking down because of oxidation and corrosion. If you let this process occur for too long, the corrosion could breach your tank shell or seams which could lead to an oil leak.
That’s why any tank older than 15 to 20 years could be classified as an antique, by our definition, and should be swapped out for a more functional and safe piece of equipment.
Decommissioning and removing heating oil tanks isn’t traditionally a do-it-yourself job. There are regulations that specify how the oil and tank must be removed to decrease the risk of spilling. Usually, the process requires a professional.
Calling in the professionals doesn’t have to be a worry. The labor takes just a couple of hours, and you can rest assured you’re following all necessary steps to safely remove your heating oil tank.
For example, a professional will:
The cost to remove your tank will depend on if you have an above ground or underground tank, and how easily accessible it is. But, the average cost to remove and replace an underground oil tank is $4,500, whereas an above ground tank costs an average of $3300.
For a more specific estimate or inspection of your existing tank, it’s best to call a professional who can help determine your needs.
Like the removal of a heating oil tank, how much it costs to install your new tank will depend on its location and if it’s above or below ground. But on average, it will cost you $1,900 to replace an oil tank.
Be cautious if you see any surprising deals.
For example, single-wall tanks might catch your eye as they average around $500 to purchase. But, cheap tanks could end up costing you more in the long run. Single-wall tanks corrode faster, because of weaker walls that allow water to settle at the bottom of the tank.
A double-wall tank is recommended. It will cost an additional $500 to $600, but it will reduce the chance of corrosion, and give you peace of mind. Most double-wall tanks also come with an alarm to warn of water leaks to the outer wall.
Important note: Selecting the right tank is important. If a leak occurs with your equipment, you could be on the hook for a hefty fine (think of $10,000 as the low end of this fine) for polluting the land.
Even with the right preventative maintenance, every oil tank has a lifespan. If you notice corrosion or rusting, clogs in your pipes or filters, or dangerous and expensive leaks, reach out to your maintenance provider immediately. It’s often the safest thing to do.
A question that we get often is “How long will my heating oil last?” And on cold winter mornings, these are important questions to keep your family and your home warm.
You want to get the most out of your heating oil and you want to live as efficiently as possible and conserve energy.
Typically, the calculation for how long heating oil lasts is hinged on the size of your home and how long you leave your furnace running. Using a general rule of thumb, most homeowners use tanks 300 gallons or less for one and two-bedroom homes.
However, having a good understanding of how long your heating oil lasts is important and dependent on a number of factors other than the size of your home. External temperature, the condition and maintenance of your furnace, how extendable the life of your heating oil is are all factors to consider.
Several factors impact how long your heating oil will last. Let’s cover each of those.
The amount of heating oil consumed during a blizzard or extremely cold weather is different from that of a warm winter season. Extremely cold outside temperatures increase the rate of heating oil consumption — the more the temperature drops, the higher the rate of heating oil consumption. The wind is also something to consider, as it accelerates the rate of heat loss from a house.
What’s the condition of your furnace and how long have you been using it? Has it been well maintained or has it suffered some damages without adequate salvaging? Older, aging furnaces and ill-maintained ones have a tendency to consume more oil than newer models that have been designed for efficiency. You may want to consider upgrading your furnace and having regularly scheduled maintenance.
What your oil is being used for specifically is essential for determining how long your heating oil will last. Are you using it for heat, or for both heat and hot water? If you are using it for both, you’ll definitely consume more than the heat-only use case. Also, you may want to check how long your furnace stays on, especially if you do not have a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust your temperature inside.
A measuring technique by Inspectapedia suggests that you can make a very rough guess of your usage by noting how many minutes per hour your oil burner is running. Denoting that oil burners use a spray nozzle that delivers oil at a flow rate of around 0.8 to 1.7 gallons per hour is important. You’ll also need to know your oil tank size and how much oil you have in it (if it’s not a full tank of oil).
Santa Energy’s tracking technology saves you a load of stress by calculating precisely when your home will need a heating oil refill and gets your heating oil filled automatically before you run out.
Using the calculation above, 1.7 gallons per hour x 10 hours a day (assuming the number of hours you spend at home is 10 hours) = 17 gallons a day. That means, 100 gallons of oil will last you about six days (100-gallon tank / 17 gallons per day = 5.8 days).
Or, if you want to calculate using a full day (24-hours), 1.7 gallons per hour x 24 hours a day = 40.8 gallons a day. If your oil tank size is 100 gallons, then your tank will last two-and-a-half days (100-gallon tank / 40.8 gallons = 2.45 days).
Following our previous calculations, 10 gallons of heating oil at a consumption rate of 1.7 gallons per hour should last 5.8 hours. (10-gallon tank / 1.7 gallons per hour = 5.8 hours).
Considering that most residential heating oil consumers are in the Northeast and about 20% of households in the Northeast Census region use heating oil as their main space heating fuel, it is helpful to make estimates based on outside temperature on how long heating oil lasts in this region.
Here’s a chart that’ll help you make estimates based on outside temperature:
| Average Outside Temperature (°F) | Approximate Gallons Used in 24 Hours | |
| 15 | 7.8 | |
| 20 | 7.0 | |
| 25 | 6.2 | |
| 30 | 5.3 | |
| 35 | 4.5 | |
| 40 | 3.7 | |
| 45 | 2.8 | |
| 50 | 2.0 |
The question after examining all of these is, how do you then conserve your heating oil?
Make sure you have the right and well-maintained equipment, from your tank to your furnace. Have your furnace tuned up to keep it working efficiently. Your tank should also be checked regularly for degradation, as a corroded or leaky oil tank will degrade your oil faster and external impurities can penetrate your oil.
If your house is well insulated, heating oil conservation is easier. Good insulation means the heat is retained in the house, rather than being dispersed through the roof, windows, and walls. Invest in an energy audit and insulate your home properly, seal gaps around the edges of windows and floorboards, reduce drafts.
According to Energy Saving Trust, you could stop losing around 33% of your heat through uninsulated walls which will make your home feel warmer and more comfortable and save costs.
Use a Smart Thermostat to regulate the heat, reduce heat wastage and adjust usage when you are not home.
Dressing in layers and decorating your house for warmth are effective ways of generating heat and conserving energy.
As the demand for a product increases, the price of that product begins to rise. Oil prices tend to increase with demand, so having your tank filled during a low-demand season is good for you, especially when supply problems can arise during the high-demand winter season.
In addition to our heating oil delivery services, Santa Energy provides a variety of other heating services including furnace maintenance, repair, and new heating system installation.
(Photo/Unsplash)
As such, one of the most common debates is whether Northeasterns should convert their heating oil systems to natural gas.
The first question to ask is will it save you money in the long run?
The federal government’s 30% tax credit for upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace ended nearly a decade ago, and homeowners that didn’t jump on the credit may be left asking themselves if it’s still worth the effort.
Let’s cover the differences in each heating source, from the BTU output, conversion costs and environmental impact to discover which fuel suits your home best.
British thermal unit (BTU) is the most common way to measure a unit of heat in the United States. Specifically, BTUs measure the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water 1°F at sea level. This measurement is a gauge for energy use, energy effectiveness, and heating system sizing.
Simply put, the higher the BTU rating the more powerful, and higher heat output it has.
When comparing natural gas and heating oil, consider the following breakdown:
Mathematically, heating oil contains more heat per BTUs than natural gas (and than most other fuels available on the market). Therefore, heating oil outputs more heat, making it the more efficient option of the two.
Heating oil is at its most efficient and environmentally-friendly state when used as bioheat.
Bioheat is a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. The advancement in fuel properties from heating oil is great news for Northeasterns, as the fuel can be used in your oil tank without any modifications to your tank or furnace.
From an environmental standpoint, bioheat is notable because unlike natural gas, it’s a renewable fuel, and touts lower carbon emissions.
During the Paris Climate Change Convention in 2016, more than 200 nations agreed to limit carbon gasses that pollute the earth by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and low carbon options. Bioheat falls under the same category as wind and solar energy, which are all acknowledged as sources of renewable energy.
Natural gas, on the other hand, falls into the same bracket as petroleum and coal, which are nonrenewable sources of energy, also known as fossil fuels.
Methane losses from natural gas systems pose a significant problem for global warming as well. Methane is a greenhouse gas 21 times more dangerous than poisonous carbon dioxide. And, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, methane ranks amongst the worst of the greenhouse gases.
When considering the environmental impact between natural gas and biofuel, the heating oil option wins by a landslide.
Homeowners considering the conversion from heating oil to natural gas need to estimate the cost to make the switch. The grand total will vary based on many factors, including:
However, according to CBS Boston, the switch can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $7,000. New England Cable News increases the prices even more, stating conversions can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000.
Though there may be long-term savings with a natural gas conversion, the upfront cost, coupled with the environmental impact cause many homeowners pause.
According to the Consumer Energy Council of America, this fuel conversion could be an “expensive gamble”.
Experts zero in on some of the dangers of natural gas as a caution to homeowners considering the switch:
Though every homeowner will need to weigh the pros and cons of natural gas and heating oil for themselves, it’s important to inform yourself on all aspects of the conversion.
Want to learn more about the difference between heating oil and natural gas? Check out the following resources:
As the cold weather approaches, you might be thinking about the most cost-effective and efficient way to heat your home. It’s wise to consider a variety of fuel alternatives, as well as different ways to optimize your home for energy efficiency.
After all, heating systems aren’t only about your comfort, they also account for nearly 42% of your entire energy bill.
Whether your home is already equipped with an oil-fueled furnace, or you’re upgrading your home’s heating system this season, you’ll want to know about the source that is fueling your home’s heat. These 16 facts will tell you everything you need to know about home heating oil so you can make the right decision for your home.
Given how clean, safe, and efficient home heating oil is, it is no wonder why so many households in New Haven and Fairfield counties use it to heat their homes. Before winter hits, contact your HVAC company to ensure your heating system is running properly, your fuel is filled, and your home is optimized for efficiency.
Do you want to know more about home heating? Check out these helpful resources:
(Photo/Pexels)
The two factors that will have the biggest impact on your heating oil use is the size of your home, and how long you leave your furnace running.
To start, the size of your home will have an impact on the number of gallons required to keep your house warm. The most common sizes of heating oil tanks are:
As a general rule of thumb, most homeowners use tanks 300 gallons or less for one and two-bedroom homes. Larger three and four-bedroom homes require tanks closer to 500 gallons.
On average, an oil-burning furnace will burn between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons per hour while in operation. So, if you have a one-bedroom home, requiring a 300-gallon tank, and you keep your furnace running for 10 hours, you’ll need to fill your rank after 17 days.
1.7 gallon per hour *10 hours a day = 17 gallons a day. 300-gallon tank / 17 gallons = 17.64 days
Of course, the equation above is only a ballpark figure. How much heating oil you use will also vary based on the factors below.
It may also be time to consider replacing your furnace or any of its parts that are aging. Oil burners, furnaces, and nozzles that are approaching or are more than 20 years old may add 15-25% on your heating oil bill.
To get the best assessment of how much heating oil you will use throughout the year, gather your bills for as many months back as you can.
Compare your monthly spend to the average cost per gallon of heating oil (roughly $3.00) to see how many gallons you used.
You can also consult with a heating oil expert to get their take on your heating oil consumption and help determine the best way to keep your heating oil filled automatically.
Heating oil will generally last between 18 and 24 months inside a tank, as long as you take care of your tank and use high-quality oil. If you have a partially full tank left when you turn off the heat for the spring and summer months, your oil should still be in good condition once you turn the heat back on in the fall.
You may be surprised to learn that there are many factors that can impact delivery reliability and the price of your fuel.
September and April are great months to order oil. Both are downtimes for heating oil delivery and allows you to fill up your tank without competing with the demand that pours in closer to the winter season.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average cost for heating oil in 2019 was just over $3.00 per gallon. However, each month marked subtle changes to the price a consumer will pay. For example, in February, the cost was $3.20, and in October, it was only $2.90. By paying attention to the ebbs and flow of oil prices, you can cost-effectively fill your tank.
Companies like Santa Energy also provide price protection plans to help homeowners avoid the costly volatility of the heating oil market.
Keeping up with heating oil can be difficult. Remove the worry and hassle of monitoring your fuel levels by working with a heating oil company that does the heavy lifting for you.
Santa Energy offers tracking technology that calculates precisely when your home will need a heating oil refill and ensures delivery before you run out.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient and clean fuel source to run your home’s HVAC system, consider Bioheat, one of the newest fueling options available on today’s market.
Bioheat heating is an alternative option to traditional home heating oil. It’s made by mixing oil with Biodiesel, which is a renewable energy source created from fatty acids found in natural sources.
Bioheat is made from:
Biodiesel is domestically manufactured in approximately 150 production plants capable of producing 2.5 billion gallons of Biodiesel each year.
The types of Bioheat on the market are named by the blend. For example:
The lower the amount of heating oil, the more efficient the fuel.
The most notable difference about Bioheat is that, unlike when switching fuel sources like from propane to natural gas, which can be insanely expensive, you don’t have to make any updates to your furnace, boiler or tank to begin using the fuel.
The other impressive difference in Bioheat is its cleanliness. Because of its renewable component, of Biodiesel, it lowers emissions of:
Because the market for Bioheat is young, the price is volatile. The price will also change depending on the blend you select. However, the cost is comparable to that of conventional heating oil. It also burns more efficiently, which lowers the overall price per gallon even more.
Because there are environmental and economic benefits to promoting Bioheat, there is a growing interest in distributing Bioheat and producing Biodiesel more broadly, which will have an impact on the cost of this fuel in the years to come.
