What You Need to Know about Your Home Oil Furnace

Posted: Nov 04, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

In the cold winter months, many families rely on home oil furnaces to keep their homes warm and cozy. Home oil furnaces are meant to be 100% efficient; however, there are always problems that can arise which can overwhelm a homeowner. Here are a few things that everyone should know who has a home oil furnace.

Energy Costs

Having a home oil furnace can be quite costly especially when the demand is the greatest in the winter months. The fuel needed to power the furnace can vary greatly on the cost of oil and how it fluctuates seasonally. To help reduce the amount of money you spend on your home oil bill, look to top up the furnace tank in the late summer months when demand isn’t so high, and take advantage of pricing plans which may be available from your provider.

Maintenance

Home oil furnaces contain exhaust. They require regular maintenance to ensure they are working smoothly and are not leaking. Leaking can occur anytime and without warning, which can result in an explosion or worse. Ensure that the home oil furnace is constantly kept clean and in working order. If your furnace looks to be in need of repair, call a certified technician as soon as possible to fix it.

Storage Tank

Home oil furnace owners will need to acquire an oil storage tank. Choosing between an above or below ground tank can come down to two deciding factors: space and cost. Below ground tanks can be costly to install because they must be dug down under a basement or backyard in store oil for the furnace. The cost of the digging procedure as well as the tank itself can be quite high. Alternatively, owners may choose an above ground tank which will greatly reduce the cost, yet some people may not have the above ground space to accommodate the size of the tank.

Bio Heat

If you are worried about the environmental impact of heating with home oil, you may be able to use bio heat instead. Bio heat is a home heating oil alternative that is similar to bio diesel. Ask your local home oil dealer if they offer bio heat.