It’s a familiar adage, “nothing lasts forever.” When you buy milk and meat, you pay attention to the expiration dates. When you buy fresh fruits and vegetables, you know you only have so long to eat them before they start to go bad. Have you ever wondered if the same is true for heating oil? Does it expire?
Given the harsh winter we’ve experienced in the Hudson Valley, you’ve probably been using heating oil in large enough quantities that whether or not (and when) it expires hasn’t been a factor. Now that the weather is warming up and heating oil will spend more time in your oil tank before it gets used, you may be interested to know what kind of longevity it has.
The average person who is managing just one home does not have to worry about their heating oil going bad. Number 2 heating oil (the most commonly found type in American homes) can last up to 2 years.
And even heating oil that’s nearing the two-year mark is probably still usable. Old heating oil isn’t like rotten milk. It simply generates less energy. Said another way, it won’t produce as much heat when it’s burned.
What happens when heating oil gets too old? If the heating oil in your tank is old enough, it won’t reach your furnace’s threshold temperature when burned. Your furnace will shut off automatically if the heating oil isn’t reaching that minimum temperature range. If that happens, you’ll need to have your furnace serviced. A good rule of thumb if you’re worried your heating oil is no longer good or you know it’s been sitting in your tank for two years or more, then your safest bet is to have your tank professionally drained and refilled.
As an upper limit for heating oil’s viability, 2 years is just a general guideline. There are a few factors that will affect the longevity of your heating oil. Here are some examples:
If you get your heating oil from a reputable supplier like Economy Oil, if you have your heating oil tank professionally checked regularly, and if it’s been less than 2 years since the heating oil in your tank was delivered, then you should have nothing to worry about.
And whenever it’s time to order more oil, choose Economy Oil. We offer the same high-quality heating oil our competitors do, we simply do it at an unbeatable price. Enjoy same-day or next-day delivery as well as no hidden fees, service fees, or contracts.
Our service area includes Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Click here to see if we’re in your neighborhood.
Economy Oil gives our customers the power to save. Contact us today for quality heating oil in the Hudson Valley at an unbeatable price.
Economy Oil provides discount fuel oil to customers who want the power to save in Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Ulster counties.
Figure out how much fuel you’ll need to order with this easy oil delivery calculator.
Economy Oil works with local Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP) to help you afford fuel.