Outdoor Heating Oil Tank Gelling Problems
Was your outdoor heating oil tank a victim of the recent cold weather?
When the temperature outdoors gets to a severe low, the heating oil in your tank may thicken. What happens is a gelling process where heating oil doesn’t freeze but thickens or gels like a soft wax-like material, the reason being that the paraffin or wax in heating oil starts to crystallize, separating itself from the oil compound. The recent cold snap was the coldest it has been in years. The heating oil in our region is now ultra low sulfur, and we are not sure how these changes to the actual fuel are impacted by severe cold weather. Our local refineries “winterize” fuels based on our region, and this recent cold was not the norm for our region.
With above-ground outdoor tanks, heating oil gelling is common with very low temperatures. If a homeowner isn’t aware of that potential issue and the steps they need to take to prevent it, the gelling or thickening of the heating oil in the tank can cause clogs in fuel filters and lines and also result in less heating oil going to the oil burner.
1. You can purchase fuel additive from us and we can add it during your oil delivery or it is also sold at hardware stores and you can add it after a heating oil delivery. This can prevent fuel gelling.
2. For improved oil flow to the oil burner consider installing a fuel line with a larger diameter. You can also wrap any pipes and fuel lines that are outside with a heat tape material. Make sure that all openings are well sealed in order to prevent contact with the cold air and/or ground surface.
3. Change or have your oil filter changed annually for best performance and make sure it is installed indoors which is the norm for most heating system installations. If your oil filter is outdoors the chances for it clogging and freezing are far greater. It is best if the filter is indoors close to the furnace or within a heated shed.
As always, Hillside is here to help.
Check Your Heating Oil Tank Gauge
Check your heating oil tank gauge, if you have not already
The upcoming forecast says we are going to have another cold snap. If you have not done it recently, consider this your reminder to check your heating oil level. Right now we are scheduled several days in advance for customers who have already ordered. Rush and same day deliveries are unfortunately not an option for us this time of year. Our drivers can only work so many hours, the sun is only out so long, and our trucks only hold so much heating oil. Our motto is, “When you’re on a quarter, order.” If you are at that level or lower, it is good time to place an order for heating oil.
If you are not already on automatic delivery, it is never a bad time to consider this FREE option from Hillside. We are one of the few companies that do NOT charge extra for the convenient service of automatic delivery. You can visit our website for more information and see how the automatic delivery program works, or enroll: www.hillsidehvac.com/heating-oil-delivery
Recent Testimonials from Hillside Customers:
Hillside is always proud to boast when our employees receive reviews from customers. Our service department has been busy tuning up and repairing equipment. Here are a few recent testimonials from customers of Hillside’s maintenance, repairs, and installations.
“Excellent techs, excellent service. (Sean)” – Cecelia J. from Wilmington 12/22/2017
“Excellent job, very polite and knowledgeable service man.” -Patricia V. from Newark 12/14/2017
“I have been extremely happy wth techs, office staff, etc…” -Cheryl J. from Hockessin 12/5/2017
“Mike is fantastic! Professional, prompt, thanks for a great job!” -Judith S. from Wilmington 11/22/2017
“Great job. Tech called when on his way. Arrived 20 minutes early.” -Rob M. from Newark 11/9/2017
If your system is in need of repair, replacement, or maintenance, mention this email and receive $50 off the standard rate of a service call! We promise YOU will be the next Hillside customer writing a positive testimonial.
It is going to be 20 degrees Friday
It is going to be 20 degrees Friday – Make sure you are prepared
The forecast says it is going to be 20 degrees on Friday night. Make sure you are ready and not caught without heating oil. Our motto here at Hillside is, “When you’re on a quarter, order.” If you have a quarter tank, that is a good time to order, no matter if you are getting a fill up, or just a minimum delivery of 100 gallons.
If you are not already on automatic delivery, it is never a bad time to consider this FREE option from Hillside. We are one of the few companies that does NOT charge extra for the convenient service of automatic delivery. You can visit our website for more information and to see how the automatic delivery program works, or to enroll: www.hillsidehvac.com/heating-oil-delivery Stay Warm!
Are you covered for winter?
We’re well into fall and winter isn’t that far away, so we hope you’ve had your annual heating tune-up done by now (or at least have it scheduled). That service can lower your chance of a winter breakdown and help you use less fuel.
For total peace of mind, we recommend enrolling in our Heating Maintenance Plan, which provides you with two great options to save you money.
Our basic plan, available for only $59 per year, provides you with:
- a discounted tune-up rate
- 15% off any service invoice
- credit toward a replacement system
- no overtime charges for no-heat emergencies on nights or weekends
- upfront pricing on all repairs, so you’ll know the cost before we do any work
Our higher-level plan, available for $269 annually, takes your coverage a few steps further and includes:
- a no-cost tune-up
- 50% off any service invoice
- credit toward a replacement system
- no overtime charges for no-heat emergencies on nights or weekends
- upfront pricing on all repairs, so you’ll know the cost before we do any work
Read more about our Heating Maintenance Plan.
Rest assured that your friends at Hillside are here to keep you warm and safe all winter long. Serving New Castle and Cecil counties and parts of Delaware and Chester counties, we are a full-service heating and cooling company that has been family-owned and operated by three generations for more than 65 years. If you need help, you can always count on us to answer the phone.
Just call 302-738-4144 (Delaware) or 410-398-2146 (Maryland). If you would like further information about any of our services, feel free to email us.
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Recent Testimonials from Hillside Customers
Hillside is always proud to boast when our employees receive reviews from customers. Our service department has been busy tuning up and repairing equipment. Here are a few recent testimonials from customers of Hillside’s maintenance, repairs, and installations.
“Sean was prompt, courteous, and showed knowledge in his work.” – Jeannette W. from Wilmington 10/11/2017
“Thanks for sending Mike. He does a great job for Hillside.” -Sharon G. from North East 10/23/2017
“Sean is another great addition to your group of great techs-Mike, George, etc.. all are welcome here!” -Dot S.. from Wilmington 10/26/2017
“Always excellent service (Sean). Thank you for the stuffed dog.” -Charlotte R. from Newark 9/26/2017
“Always the best. Doesn’t get any better. Thanks to all. -Sandy & Bob T.. from Wilmington 10/18/2017
If your system is in need of repair, replacement, or maintenance, mention this email and receive $50 off the standard rate of a service call! We promise YOU will be the next Hillside customer writing a positive testimonial.
Hours:
Monday—Friday: 7:30AM–4:30PM
Saturday: 9:00AM–1:00PM (Winter)
Open daily in case you need us.
