Thinking of Purchasing a Home that Runs on Heating Oil?

Here Are Some Things to Know

Home heating oil was first introduced to the public during the 1930s due to its ease of use, low cost, and heat efficiency. Prior to the transition to home heating oil, homes were mostly heated with coal and wood. 

Unfortunately, the widespread use of coal during World War I created a shortage for homeowners and businesses alike, creating a strain. By that time, home heating oil had started to make its way into the more affluent homes and businesses. It was received with great enthusiasm by those who could afford to convert their coal-fired furnaces into fuel-fired furnaces. 

Home heating oil was dramatically more efficient at warming homes than wood burning, and was a much cleaner energy source than relying on coal. During the great depression era, however, only the wealthiest few could afford the luxury of heating oil.

Although developments in technology have led to other energy sources, home heating oil and therefore, home heating oil delivery is still common today.

Prevalence of Heating Oil in the Northeastern United States

Among the most charming features of a historic home are the oil-filled radiators stationed throughout the house. The Northeastern United States has perhaps more historic homes than any other region in the country, so that translates to a lot of homes powered by heating oil.

While some homeowners have updated to more modern heating systems, others wouldn’t give up their distinctive heating oil-fueled radiators for the world. 

Between the colder climate and the number of historic buildings, the Northeast may have more homes and businesses relying on home heating oil than in any other region. Is this technology right for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a home with home heating oil. 

What Are Some Advantages of Using Home Heating Oil?

Home heating oil relies on having a tank that feeds into a boiler or furnace where it is then burned and converted for heat. Some of its advantages include:

• Abundant supply. There is an abundant supply of heating oil, making it a reliable resource with no foreseeable shortages.
• Affordable. Since newer construction relies on other energy methods, the demand for heating oil is relatively low, which makes a system relying on NY fuel oil prices favorable by comparison.
• Cleaner emissions. Improvements in technology have enabled heating oil to burn much cleaner than in the past, allowing it to pass EPA standards in properly maintained systems.
• Safety. A heating oil furnace is less likely to explode than natural gas or propane, which is peace of mind for many homeowners.
• Durability. With proper routine maintenance, a heating oil system often lasts longer than a gas furnace.

As many heating oil companies advise, installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house is an important safety precaution for any household.

Is Your Tank Buried Underground Or Above Ground?

Despite fluctuating NY fuel oil prices, there is no reason to take your potential dream home off your shortlist; you just have to know what you are dealing with. One of the first questions to ask the realtor is whether the heating oil tank is above-ground or buried underground.

An above-ground tank has several advantages over an under-ground tank, however, neither option is necessarily a reason why you should avoid buying a home equipped with a heating oil tank.

If the heating oil tank is above ground:

Ensuring that the oil tank does not freeze over the winter is key. If the oil tank is outside, ask the realtor what measures the homeowner has put in place to prevent the home heating oil tank from freezing.

If the heating oil tank is underground:

Most heating oil companies agree that a home with an underground oil tank may need to be addressed. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate storage tanks, it may be regulated by local or state authorities. The following are some common concerns:

• Potential for leaking. Underground heating oil tanks have the potential to leak, posing an environmental and health risk that affects your groundwater, drinking water, as well as local wildlife.
• Potential environmental cleanup. Cleanup from a leaky heating oil tank can be very costly and is rarely covered by homeowners insurance.
• Decommissioning oil tanks. Underground home heating oil tank decommissioning is a costly endeavor. If there is an oil tank on the property, check with the current homeowner to see if it has already been decommissioned, and ask for official documentation.
  
• Remove the oil tank if possible. For overall ease of use, monitoring, and environmental safety, it may be best to remove an underground home heating oil tank and replace it with an above-ground version.
• Ensure that the oil tank is registered. Ask the seller if the underground heating oil tank is registered, as some states require regulation and registration of underground oil tanks. If the seller does not know, check with your state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Here are New York State’s DEP oil tank regulations.

The Star Home Heating Oil Advantage

Star Home Heating Oil has built a home heating oil delivery platform that allows homeowners to conveniently shop for the best heating oil price in their area. We’ve aggregated our own network of pre-vetted, reputable heating oil companies into one system. That means customers like you no longer need to call around, haggle, or wait for price quotes. Instead, you’ll get matched with the lowest price we can find from local heating oil companies that we have solid experience working with.

Star Home Heat offers the easiest, most convenient way to find today’s NY fuel oil prices as well as to the surrounding areas. Book your home heating oil delivery today!