My Heating Costs Are Through the Roof — Is My Oil Tank to Blame?
Homeowners rely on their heating system to keep their homes nice and cozy throughout the harsh Pennsylvania winter. The last thing they want to deal with is abnormally high heating bills that strain their comfort, minds, and finances. If you're dealing with skyrocketing heating bills, it may be time to look closer at your oil tank.
Your heating oil system plays a massive role in keeping your home warm, but an old oil tank can become a hidden source of high costs. Whether it’s an aging oil tank, a leaking underground tank, or just the wrong size for your current house, your heating bills could be higher because of it. Replacing an old oil tank could be the answer to getting those costs under control. Explore what might be going wrong with your oil tank, so you’re not left guessing if your tank or your oil dealer is causing the spike in costs every winter.
Common Causes of Higher Heating Bills
Your heating costs might be higher due to more than just cold weather. The issue could start with the underground oil tank in your backyard. Heating oil tanks are essential to your home's energy efficiency, and if something is off, your costs could easily spike. Your oil tank could be the culprit, from small issues like a faulty valve to major concerns like leaks contributing to the rising costs.
If the tank is rusty, corroded, or faulty fittings, the heat loss adds up, leading to higher fuel costs. Regular oil tank maintenance can help, but when it’s time for a new oil tank installation in Norristown, PA, and the surrounding areas, you’ll notice a huge difference in how much money you save each winter.
Older Oil Tank
An older oil tank doesn’t just affect how efficiently your oil boiler works; it can also be the source of many issues that increase heating costs. If your current tank has been in place for a few years, it could be rusting or corroding, leading to leaks and inefficiency. Underground oil tanks are particularly at risk of this phenomenon. Old oil tanks often have worn components like pipes and valves, which affect the flow of heating oil to your furnace or hot water heater. This inefficiency leads to wasted fuel and higher bills.
An old tank that hasn’t been properly maintained can also result in dangerous oil spills, which not only cost money to clean up but could also involve serious environmental and legal consequences. Upgrading to a new tank may seem like a cost upfront, but it’s a long-term investment that keeps your heating bills lower and your house safer.
Improperly Sized Oil Tank
Not all oil tanks are created equal, and having the wrong-sized tank in your house can lead to all kinds of problems. If your heating oil tank is too large or too small, it affects how efficiently the oil is burned, which leads to higher costs. A tank that’s too big might seem like a good deal initially, but you end up wasting oil because you’re storing more than you use, leading to stale oil and higher heating costs.
On the other hand, a small tank might not hold enough fuel, making your furnace or oil boiler work overtime just to keep up with the demand, driving up your costs even more. It’s a fine balance between size and efficiency. If you’ve recently moved into a new house or have upgraded your heating system, it might be time to reconsider if the current tank is the right size for your heating needs.
Your Tank Is Leaking Oil
An oil tank leak can become one of the most costly issues you face, and it often goes unnoticed until your heating bills are through the roof. Leaks in an underground tank or a basement oil tank lead to lost fuel and environmental issues, and can even involve costly fines. Heating oil leaks can happen due to corrosion, rust, or damaged fittings. Even a small leak can add up to major heating costs over time, as the tank isn’t holding the full oil capacity and you need to refuel it more often. The price of oil is already high, so you don’t want to be losing gallons because of a preventable leak. If you notice that your heating oil seems to disappear faster than expected, or your oil company is charging you for more frequent fill-ups, your tank might leak. Check it before the winter months hit, and you’re left to pay for heating oil you’re not using.
Get Your Replacement Oil Tank Today
Don’t wait until the winter season to address an old or inefficient oil tank. The cost of replacing your oil tank might seem daunting, but the savings you’ll see over the next few years will make it worth the investment. Whether you’re dealing with an underground tank that’s seen better days or a basement tank that’s no longer cutting it, a new option will help reduce your heating costs.
When you replace an old tank with a new, properly sized one, your heating oil will burn more efficiently, reducing the amount you use and the dollars you spend. Plus, the risk of an oil leak or a rusted tank will be behind you. Start with an oil tank service consultation with JnJ Environmental to find the best home option. With the right tank in place, you’ll finally be able to keep the heat up and your costs down.