If you currently rely on heating oil to warm your home, you’re among a large number of consumers who have access to a very efficient, affordable and safe heat source. Unlike natural gas, this fuel type is entirely non-flammable and non-combustible. In fact, you can drop a lit match down into a tank that’s filled with heating oil. All that will happen is your match will fizzle out. The fear in using this type of fuel is the risk of having it run out mid-winter. Many consumers are also concerned about the tendency of heating oil prices to fluctuate throughout the year and from winter to winter. These two reasons alone are why you should fill you heating oil tank before winter.
Supply and demand are the two things that are going to dictate the prices for this fuel the most. During the months of summer, not a lot of people are interested in purchasing this type of oil. In order to increase their sales, the companies that offer these products will usually slash their prices. You can get good deals on the fuel that you will invariably need when the temperatures drop so long as you make sure to stock up in spring or summer, when very few people are actually turning their heaters on.
You also have to think about the purity of these products. During mid-winter, a lot of suppliers are pulling their stores from the very bottom of barrels and storage tanks. This is where the majority of harmful sediments are. When demand is high, some suppliers may be selling adulterated fuels.
When you make the mistake of purchasing these low-quality products, you will invariably see more sludge and other problems in your own tank at home. This sludge can clog your heater up and prevent it from functioning efficiently, if at all. During off-season weeks and months, you have a higher chance of getting high-quality fuel.
It is additionally important for consumers to consider the issues that delivery companies might have in transporting these resources once the weather becomes severe. It is a lot easier for delivery trucks to make their way safely across dry roads than it is to haul heavy loads through heavy winds, snow and sleet.
If a major snow storm or other severe weather event happens to roll in before you’ve had the chance to stock up on these resources, you may be forced to rely on a secondary and decidedly insufficient heat source. For instance, you and your loved ones may be crowded around your stove or fireplace.
In areas in which winter weather can be severe, it may even be best for homeowners to load up their backup fuel tanks as well. If you do not have one of these, now is the time to get one. With two full tanks, you may be able to comfortably survive the entire winter without having to have the system refilled.
Purchasing a secondary or backup tank will allow you to take full advantage of off-season discounts. In fact, you may be able to pay a mere fraction of your normal, yearly heating oil costs in order to get a full winter’s supply. With this savings strategy, you can reduce your energy costs even as you enjoy the same levels of home comfort year round.
