Spotlight: Mike on Oil Tanks

Spotlight: Mike on Oil Tanks

“As someone who's been out in the field for years, I’ve answered just about every question you can think of when it comes to oil tanks. But here are three I hear most often from homeowners.” - Mike, Quinoco Comfort Specialist.

If these questions are on your mind, you’re not alone!

1. How long should an oil tank last?

You know it, really varies. Some tanks last for 10 years and some for over 50 years – it all depends on the environment and the quality of the tank. If your tank is outside, expect to replace it more frequently since it’s exposed to the elements.

2. Why did my oil tank leak? Did your oil cause this?

Leaking tanks can happen at any time, but especially with older tanks that show a lot of wear and tear. Believe it or not, if you’re someone who keeps their tank pretty empty in the off-season, you’re inviting a leak to happen. When warmer or fluctuating temperatures are combined with a partially filled oil tank, condensation starts to form on the bare walls inside the tank, eventually dripping down into the fuel. Because water is heavier than oil, it sinks to the bottom of your tank, where it creates bacteria and debris that settle at the bottom of your tank. This can lead to clogs, corrosion, decreased efficiency, and breakdowns. Some of these problems are repairable, but we often find that the oil tank needs to be replaced.

3. Why do oil tanks cost a lot less online?

Well, you might be able to buy the tank online, but it doesn’t include the parts, installation, labor, and removal of your old tank. So, while you think you’re getting a deal online, in the end, it will probably cost more. Our pricing covers your tank replacement from start to finish, with our workmanship guaranteed by a reputable local company.

Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

Is that an oil tank in the basement? Out of sight, out of mind…unless you’re Quinoco; we always think about the state of customer oil tanks. All winter we field questions about your oil tanks and here are a few of our most frequent:

1. What is the life expectancy of my tank?

Some tanks last for 10 years; some for 70 years – it really just depends on the condition of your tank. Outdoor tanks average around 10 years while indoor tanks will go 20+ years.

2. How do I know when it needs to be replaced?

At every heating tune-up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any sign that a new tank might be in your future. Some of those may include visible signs of a leaky tank and bubbles in the paint/exterior.

3. What are the benefits of a new tank?

Believe it or not, oil tanks have evolved over the last decade or so. Both the material and design focus on long-term use, system efficiency, and leak and corrosion resistance.

4. Should I replace it now or wait?

We understand that the expense of replacing your oil tank can be a significant concern. However, consider what happens if you wait: you could face emergency service prices for a leaking tank, oil clean-up and remediation in your basement, the need to pump oil out of your home, and the addition of temporary tanks for heating oil. You might think we’re biased, but replacing your tank now could prevent these issues.

Remember that every heat tune-up includes a visual inspection of your oil tank. To schedule your tune-up or discuss options for replacing your oil tank, please call 860.583.4609 to make an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Don't Risk Your Oil Tank!

Don’t Risk Your Oil Tanks!

It’s easy to forget about your oil tank – it’s out of sight so out of mind – and that’s why we encourage an annual oil tank inspection. Over time, oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues that can pose a risk to your property and the environment.

EARLY DETECTION OF ISSUES

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on before they become major problems, preventing leaks or other costly damage.

PROTECTION OF PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate.

PEACE OF MIND

You’ll be reassured knowing that your oil tank is in good condition and ready for another winter!

Schedule your annual oil tank inspection by calling our office at 860.583.4609

Even if your tank is not leaking, it may show signs of deterioration or has exceeded its normal life expectancy - 20 years for basement tanks and 10 years for outdoor tanks. Our team is available to discuss and perform any next steps, including tank removal and replacement.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

Sure it might be a little cold still, but we’re already thinking about and planning for Spring and Summer. I surveyed a few members of our team about what they’re looking forward to most and here’s what they had to say:

“I am most looking forward to my vegetable and flower garden, nothing beats a warm summer day planting and the taste of a fresh grown tomato!” ~ Cassie, Customer Care

“Looking forward to the warm weather and my birthday!” ~ Shannon, Customer Care

As for me, I am looking forward to being outside planting my garden, completing the Cooper River Bridge Run with my daughters and hiking around Connecticut.

And don’t forget to get your heat tune up on the calendar! These tune ups come with crucial oil tank inspections. Oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues over time that can pose a risk to your property and the environment. If your tank is replaced before a more problematic situation occurs, replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! Visit quinoco.com/tank-inspections to learn more.

Goodbye winter, hello spring!

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services
General Manager

It's time to schedule your tank inspection!

It’s Time To Schedule Your Oil Tank Inspection!

If you have an oil tank on your property, it is important to get it inspected regularly. Oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues over time that can pose a risk to your property and the environment. We’ve compiled a few factors to consider when thinking about your home maintenance this summer while you call Quinoco to schedule your tank inspection.

Early detection of issues

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on, before they become major problems. This can help prevent leaks or other damage that can be costly to clean up and may pose a risk to your property and the environment.

Protection of property and environment

Oil tanks that are not properly maintained can pose a risk to your property and the environment. Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate. Regular inspections can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Peace of mind

Knowing that your oil tank is in good condition can give you peace of mind - that your tank is ready for another winter, you’re protecting your property and preventing an environmental issue.

TLC for your SmartBioFuel Tank

Just like we remind you to maintain your heating equipment, your SmartBiofuel Heating Oil tank needs just as much care and consideration. Replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! So if you think it might be time to replace your tank or would like us to come inspect it, give us a call at 860.583.4609.

Tank Life Cycle

Some tanks last for 10 years, some for 70 years! At every heating tune up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any indication that a new tank might be in your future. Here are some of the telltale signs:

Benefits of a New Tank

The material and design of tanks has come a long way in recent years and with the cleanliness of fuel today, a brand new tank will not only last a very long time, it will actually help your heating equipment run more efficiently.

Leaky Tank? We’re here to help!

A leaking tank left ignored can lead to large environmental cleanups and potential 6-digit remediation costs! If you suspect a leaky tank, it’s important that you…

Don’t Delay!

It might be tempting to bid out the project or get multiple opinions but basements, especially those with sump pumps, can become contaminated quickly. Similarly, if the fuel is left for too long, it can leach into the slab and foundation walls of your home, leading to stains and strong odors.

Call Quinoco!

We work with trusted licensed remediation contractors that have experience with mitigation and DEEP inspection regulations. When brought in immediately, they can help reduce your overall expense and environmental impact. After cleanup is complete, we work to get you back up and running with a new tank, schedule a delivery and ensure the system is properly back online.

Replacing your Oil Tank

When to Replace your Oil Tank

When we talk about the products and services we provide to homeowners, they are all extremely important and affect our lives every day – heat for our homes, hot water, protection from power outages, etc.

But they aren’t considered fun or exciting things that anyone WANTS to buy. When was the last time you caught yourself wanting to purchase a new Bioheat tank!? For this reason, homeowners often let their equipment, and especially their tanks, go way past their life expectancy.

When to replace your Oil tank:

While there are a couple signs on the outside of the tank that will indicate that it should be replaced (corrosion and wet marks), most damage is unseen. Older tanks often have moisture and sediment that have built up over time which can cause corrosion and create holes. If not replaced in time, the tank could start to leak. If you have any question about your tank, reach out to us to come take a look.

Benefits of a new Oil tank:

With the cleanliness of fuel today, the biggest benefit of putting a new tank in is that it will last a long time and will never see the problems of tanks from many years ago. The bio component in todays oil acts as a cleanser that actively cleans the inside of the tank and prevents buildup. With the percentage of bio planned to increase over the next several years, installing a new tank now is a great investment. Also, having a new tank helps your heating equipment run more efficiently.

So don’t forget about the tank in your basement, replacing it is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day.