How to Prepare Your Heating Oil Tank for Fall and Winter

September 1, 2024

We hope you and your family have enjoyed the warmer months—we know we have! With that said, fall is quickly approaching, and it’s time to start giving your Massachusetts or Connecticut home heating oil storage tank and furnace or boiler some thought. Before we know it, leaves will be changing, temperatures will be dropping, and pumpkins will be making their way to local doorsteps across the state. Get your home heating system ready now so it’s prepared to keep you and your family warm all winter long.

Top 5 Tips to Get Your Oil Tank Ready for Winter

Here are some helpful tips to prepare your heating system for the cold months. Trust us, they’ll be here sooner than you think, so stay prepared and get started!

Order a MA Heating Oil Delivery ASAP

Filling your tank as early as you can, including over the summer, has many benefits. You’ll stay ahead of the curve when the cold months roll in as well as prevent damage to your tank, as an empty tank is more susceptible to corrosion and leaks. Even if you don’t use heating oil in the summer, consider ordering soon to avoid the headache of getting maintenance done when you need heat most.

Check Your Heating Oil Tank for Leaks & Cracks

Glance around for any cracks, leaks, or rust on your tank, which may have appeared over the spring and summer. Whether it’s located indoors or outdoors, additional moisture in the atmosphere can cause damage to an emptier tank. If it’s located outside, vegetation, weather, and even animals can also affect its quality. In addition, dark spots can indicate wear and tear or even leakage.

Check Your Oil Tank Gauge

Look for the small circular gauge on your oil storage tank and read it like your car’s gas gauge. It’s also important to make sure your gauge is working properly. Cracks and loose connections can affect its functionality. Make sure you also check that the gauge reads properly when filling up your tank! We recommend ordering home heating oil from PayLessForOil.com before the needle gets to the 1/4 marker, so you’ll have plenty of time to get your oil delivered before your tank runs dry.

Check the Proper Ventilation of Your Tank

For outdoor tanks, plant growth over the spring and summer can make access more difficult in fall and winter. Be sure to maintain a clear path to your tank and remove any vegetation from vent pipes. Indoor tanks should be kept clear of all items, especially flammable things like wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and fabric. Deliveries will not only be easier–so will checking for damage.

Check the Oil Filter

Check to see if the oil filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. If it does, have a professional technician clean or replace your oil filter. The oil filter needs to be cleaned regularly before the winter season when you will use your heating equipment, to ensure that dirt and debris don’t clog your system. A clean filter will help maintain efficient fuel flow and prevent damage to your heating system.

Book a Professional Oil Tank Tune-Up & Inspection

If, after all these at-home check-ups, you’re unsure about the state of your tank, schedule a heating system tune-up! We will inspect all tanks when we perform a heating tune-up to make sure you’re getting the best fuel economy possible, your system is running safely, and there aren’t any important repairs that need to be made.

Trust Local Experts with Your Annual Tune-Up

If you haven’t already had your annual oil system tune-up, schedule it today with to get an efficiency boost and safety inspection for your entire heating system. Our Massachusetts customers love our tune-ups because they provide true safety, comfort, and peace of mind that local families deserve. Click here to schedule your annual heating tune-up today; we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Thank you for trusting PayLessforOil.com with your home comfort.