Heating oil has been keeping people warm since the 1920s – a testament to the effectiveness of this king of the Btus. But how does heating oil – especially Natural Heating Oil, or Bioheat® – stack up against other fuels when it comes to safety?
As it turns out, heating oil is at the top of the class in that category, too.
Heating oil safety starts with the fuel itself: unlike natural gas or propane, heating oil will not burn in conditions you would normally find in your home. In fact, heating oil cannot burn in its liquid state: before combustion can occur, heating oil must be vaporized by your oil burner at temperatures above 140°. It’s also stored in a tank that is tested to ensure its durability in the worst of situations (see below).
Have confidence in the safety of heating oil
Professional heating maintenance is key
Like any equipment powered by fuel, the key to keeping your Natural Oil-fired heating furnace or boiler operating safely is professional heating maintenance. During an annual heating tune-up, a technician will perform multiple tests to make sure your heating equipment is functioning properly; if he spots a potential safety issue or some other problem, he’ll take care of it right away.
Oil-fired equipment carries lower CO risks
Carbon monoxide – the dangerous and potentially deadly byproduct of any kind of fuel burning – is something to take very seriously. Although both oil and gas combustion both produce CO, 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.
If your oil furnace is producing smoke or soot, contact us right away — this is a sign your equipment is emitting carbon monoxide. It’s also critical to have tested and working carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and to know the telltale symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
Modern oil storage tanks are safer, too
Another safety improvement in today’s world of heating oil is the emergence of double wall steel and plastic or fiberglass heating oil tanks, which virtually eliminate leaks. While older, single wall steel oil tanks were durable, they were prone to corroding from the inside – a problem that could lead to surprise tank failures.
Natural Heating Oil – the best and safest way to heat your East End or North Fork, LI home. Contact us today to become a Burt’s Reliable customer and keep the reliable heating oil deliveries coming all fall and winter long.