Having served households in Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Winchester and across the Eastern Panhandle region for over 70 years, the Roach Energy team appreciates how essential it is to maintain a filled heating oil tank through the winter. Heating oil has always been a superior option for staying toasty warm. A single gallon of our fuel oil can generate a robust 138,500 Btu of heat energy. Still, you need to keep your tank filled so your home heating doesn’t go out at the worst possible moment.
In this article, we’ll discuss what happens when your oil-powered heating system runs out of fuel. We’ll also break down how Roach Energy customers can avoid heating oil run-outs altogether.
Running out of heating oil can be a stressful surprise, which is why it’s crucial to know how to read your oil tank gauge. Your tank gauge is a clear glass or plastic vial located on top of the tank, marked similarly to a car’s fuel gauge: F, ¾, ½ and ¼. A float or marker inside the vial indicates the amount of heating oil remaining.
For “will call” customers, we recommend contacting us when your gauge reads at or just above ¼ to ensure timely delivery. If the float sits at the bottom of the vial — or is no longer visible — your tank is nearly or completely empty.
If your heating oil tank runs dry, call for an emergency fuel delivery right away. Without heat, freezing temperatures can pose serious risks, especially for infants and older adults, and may lead to frozen or burst pipes. After the heating oil delivery, your fuel line will need to be bled to remove air. While it’s possible to do this yourself, we recommend leaving it to a professional for safety and efficiency.
In an emergency with no heat, you can add diesel fuel to your tank as a temporary solution. Diesel is very similar to heating oil but tends to cost more. After adding diesel, you’ll need to prime the fuel line and restart the burner.
First, the good news: a single heating oil run-out isn’t likely to cause lasting damage to your heating system. One concern is sediment from the bottom of the tank clogging your system. Our team can inspect and address any blockages if needed.
Keeping your heating oil tank full is essential not only for consistent heat but also for the longevity of your tank and equipment. One of the leading causes of tank corrosion is internal condensation, which forms when the tank isn’t full. By keeping your tank topped off year-round, especially during warmer months, you can reduce condensation and minimize wear and tear on your system.
The easiest way to ensure you never run out of heating oil is by enrolling in Roach Energy’s FREE automatic delivery schedule. Our advanced computerized system tracks your fuel usage and schedules deliveries before your tank runs low. With this hassle-free service, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your heating oil will always be there when you need it most.
Stay warm without worry — choose Roach Energy for reliable heating oil delivery this winter. Reach out today to become a customer.
