As we enjoy the last full month of summer in Nova Scotia, it’s never a bad idea to use this time to check the condition of your heating equipment before the fall season starts. One of the more important items on your list for visual inspection is your oil tank.
There is no set life span of an oil tank, even though some manufacturers can offer warranties that range from 10 to more than 20 years. Conditions to be noted include tank age, location (inside or outside), signs of obvious rust, suspect oil lines, or a broken or stuck oil gauge. Many home insurance policies also specify that domestic oil tanks be replaced after 20, 15 or even 10 years (depending on the type of tank and the insurance company), even though they may last longer. Outside steel oil tanks in our cold and wet climate can be susceptible to rust. Condensation, sludge and contaminants can also cause damage that cannot be seen.
Since there is no hard answer for when a tank should be replaced, it is important not to wait until your tank is over 10 years old to have it checked for potential problems. It is a national building code requirement to have your heating equipment inspected annually by a qualified technician. This is the only way to ensure your tank, oil lines, filters, and equipment are free of major corrosion or leaks.
When it is time to replace your tank, you have some choices. Steel tanks have been working well for years and have offered safe and adequate storage. New code guidelines now allow many options including double bottom steel, fiberglass, and a few other non-metallic double-wall tanks. All can offer better protection, longer warranties, and some even have built-in insurance policies against manufacturing defects for up to 30 years. It’s always best to consult with your insurance company before choosing a new tank. Some may offer longer replacement periods or even premium reductions for installing a better-quality tank.
Occasionally, you may hear of someone having an oil spill. While they don’t happen often, leaks from old and rusty heating oil tanks can occur, so it’s wise to make sure your tank is in good condition. Even if it looks good, there may be a pin hole waiting to occur. Insurance companies are often challenging to deal with unless all guidelines have been strictly followed.
Heating your home with oil remains one of the safest and efficient ways to keep you and your family warm and comfortable. At Scotia Fuels, our licensed technicians know how to perform detailed inspections to ensure your oil tank is in top-notch condition. If you haven’t already done so, this is a great time to schedule your annual heating equipment tune-up and inspection to prepare for the colder weather.
If it is time for you to replace your tank, Scotia Fuels can set out all your options and can even offer installation and budget financing.
Looking for more information on oil tank regulations? Please see our blog from last year https://scotiafuels.com/general/oil-tank-installations-new-requirements/
Not yet a Scotia Fuels’ customer? Visit us at https://scotiafuels.com/contact-us/ or give us a call at 902-453-2121. We’ll answer within 2 rings and we’ll book you for a complimentary furnace and tank inspection.