What Are the Benefits of Monitoring Your Heating Oil Tank?

Our tank leaflets for reference: Leaflet 1, Leaflet 2. 

It’s no secret that heating oil tank maintenance is the key to keeping the system running smoothly. By monitoring your tank regularly, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home comfortable all winter long.

In this post, we take a look at:

• The main benefits of monitoring your heating oil tank.
• Best practices for oil tank maintenance.
• The consequences of not monitoring your tank.

What is Oil Tank Monitoring?

Oil tank monitoring is the process of regularly checking your tank for signs of wear and tear. This can be done using a variety of methods, including visual inspections and dipstick tests, or via SMART gauges. By monitoring your tank, you can catch problems early and prevent them from becoming bigger issues further down the line.

How Does a SMART Oil Tank Monitor Differ from Dipstick Tests?

A SMART oil tank monitor is a more sophisticated method of checking your heating oil levels. Unlike dipstick tests, which only measure the height of the oil in your tank, SMART gauges use sensors to calculate how much oil is actually in your tank. This information is then transmitted to a central display, where you can easily check your oil levels.

Essentially, a SMART oil tank monitor allows you to get a more accurate reading of your oil levels and provides you with an automated way of catching any problems early.

Main Benefits of Monitoring Your Heating Oil Tank

The benefits of monitoring your oil tank can be divided into three main categories: Safety, Finance and Convenience.

1. Safety

Monitoring your oil tank provides a layer of protection against oil leaks and spills that could cause damage to your home and the environment. It can also help you spot potential safety hazards, like build-ups of rust or corrosion. By noticing signs early, you can catch and prevent issues before they worsen. 

2. Finance

By monitoring your oil tank regularly, you can avoid costly tank repairs and keep your home comfortable all winter long. In addition, you’ll be able to track your oil consumption and make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, and only order oil when you know you need it.

3. Convenience

A SMART oil tank monitor is the most convenient way to keep track of your heating oil levels. With a central display, you can easily check your oil levels from anywhere in your home at any time. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about running out of oil again.

What are some best practices for monitoring your heating oil tank?

Here are our top three tips to help you keep an eye on your heating oil tank and ensure it is well maintained:

• Check your oil tank level at least once a month, and more often if you’re using increased amounts of oil.
• Keep an eye out for oil leaks, rust, or corrosion in your tank. If you see any of these, call an OFTEC registered engineer for support.
• Make sure the area around your oil tank is clean and free of debris.

Why is it so important to monitor your heating oil tank?

If you don’t keep an eye on your heating oil tank, small problems can quickly turn into big and expensive ones. For example, a small oil leak might not seem like a huge deal, but if it’s not fixed right away it can cause major damage to your home and the surrounding environment.

Or, if you let your tank get too low on oil, you could end up with an empty tank – and a cold house. Monitoring your heating oil tank is the best way to avoid these kinds of problems.

The consequences of not monitoring your heating oil tank can be costly and inconvenient. Without regular monitoring, you may not know if there’s a problem with your tank until it’s too late, leading to extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Additionally, if you run out of oil, you may have to wait for a delivery, which could leave you without heat for an extended period.

If you follow these simple tips, you can avoid many common problems with heating oil tanks. By staying on top of things, you can keep your tank in good condition and your home warm.