Does Heating Oil Go Bad in New Jersey?

If you live in Greater Maplewood, New Jersey, then you probably already know that there are many different benefits to using heating oil to heat your home or business. For example, heating oil is not explosive and therefore safer than a lot of alternatives, such as natural gas. The heating oil systems available today are also very efficient and economical compared to older models. However, you may question whether your tank of heating oil will go bad, or if it has an expiration date. For example, if you have heating oil left over after the winter season, will you be able to use it within the next year or will you have to replace it? Lucky for you, the experts at Woolley Home Solutions are here to answer that question!

How Long Does a Tank of Heating Oil Last in New Jersey?

On average, heating oil should last between 18 and 24 months, which means that you most likely won’t be wasting the oil that you’ve paid for since your furnace or boiler is probably going to burn it. However, there are a few factors that can affect whether or not your heating oil goes bad. These include the following:

• The condition of the tank – Most residential or business heating oil tanks are stored in utility sheds, basements, or storage rooms above ground. Occasionally, a heating oil tank will be built into the ground as well. Regardless of where your oil tank is located, over time it will age and corrode. This is especially true of tanks that are built beneath the soil. This can lead to the oil you’ve purchased becoming contaminated by rust, water, dirt and debris, all of which can cause the heating oil to go bad.
• The temperature – Heating oil can coagulate or “gel” if extremely low temperatures occur. Once the oil has taken on a gel consistency, it can clog your filters and lines, which can damage your furnace or boiler. Fortunately, once the oil is warmed back to above freezing temperatures, it should become usable again.

Related Post: Fuel Oil vs. Heating Oil: What’s the Difference?

How to Know if Your Tank of Heating Oil Has Gone Bad

Now that we know what can cause heating oil to go bad, how exactly can you tell if your heating oil is past its prime? In many cases, you should be able to tell by the smell. If bacteria has managed to leak into the heating oil and caused sludge to form, then this sludge should create a foul odor. Simply remove the cap from your heating oil tank to determine if the oil smells. If you’re unsure about the smell of your heating oil, then you should schedule an appointment with a professional to come to inspect your oil.

Your heating oil should last a year and a half at the very least; however, as we’ve covered here, it can go bad depending on the condition of the tank and the temperature. To protect your investment in heating oil, we recommend ensuring that your oil tank is in good working condition with our oil tank protection program. Tank protection affordably protects you against problems associated with a release and assures that any problems will be handled in an environmentally friendly manner without breaking your budget. For more information about the use of heating oil or to schedule a heating oil service or tank replacement, be sure to contact us today at Woolley Home Solutions.