Many families in New Jersey rely on oilheat to keep their homes warm. And they can do this with confidence, knowing that heating oil has always been a remarkably safe fuel.
Yet, surveys have shown that while heating oil customers have exceptionally high levels of satisfaction with the service they receive, many people, particularly younger ones, have big misconceptions about the safety of heating a home with oil.*
But when was the last time you heard about an oil-heated home exploding? Never? In fact, heating oil has an excellent safety record, especially considering that it has been widely used for decades.
Let’s set the record straight by starting with flammability. Heating oil is biodegradable, nontoxic and nonflammable. It cannot burn in its liquid state. Before combustion can occur, heating oil must first be vaporized by an oil burner at temperatures above 140°.
That’s why the oil in your tank is as likely to explode as the water in your backyard swimming pool. It’s that safe!
With an oil tank on your property, you can always count on having a secure, on-site supply at your home. Heating oil is easily transported and handled by highly trained professionals using equipment and techniques that keep safety at the forefront.
Modern heating oil storage tanks have been designed to be virtually leak-proof. Whether your oil storage tank is located in your basement or outside your home, the tanks being installed today are designed with corrosion-resistant materials.
An oilheating system poses a very low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If an oil burner malfunctions (most often due to a lack of maintenance), the safety devices in the unit will typically shut the furnace or boiler off.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that oilheat consumers shouldn’t have working carbon monoxide detectors inside their homes, especially near all bedrooms. Besides a malfunctioning boiler or furnace, there are many other sources for carbon monoxide leaks, including:
Make sure you check your carbon monoxide (and smoke) detectors regularly to confirm they operate properly!
Heating oil – the best and safest way to heat your New Jersey home! If you have any safety concerns or questions, please reach out to your local heating oil company.
*Based on the NORA-funded Oilheat Consumer Research Study.