Sylvie Willis
Running out of fuel oil is not ideal, but it is also not the end of the world. While it is generally recommended to keep fuel oil tanks filled, allowing them to run down occasionally is not necessarily detrimental. In fact, in modern vehicles, it is perfectly fine to use the entire capacity of the tank. However, in the case of fuel oil tanks for home heating, allowing the tank to run down frequently can lead to problems with the furnace, filter, oil pump, and oil line. Additionally, condensation build-up in low tanks can result in bacteria growth, which can cause clogging in the piping system. Therefore, while it may be inconvenient to run out of fuel oil, it is not necessarily harmful to the tank itself, but it is still recommended to keep the tank filled to prevent issues and maintain a comfortable temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should fuel oil tanks be allowed to run down | It is not advisable to let your fuel oil tank run down as it can cause inconvenience and create problems in your tank. |
| What happens if the tank runs out of heating oil | Your furnace will automatically shut off. |
| What to do if the tank runs out of heating oil | Check to see that you are actually out of home heating oil. Order heating oil online right away. Add 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel to your tank to hold you over until heating oil is delivered. Restart your fuel oil burner by hitting the reset button. |
| How to check if the tank is out of heating oil | Go down to the fuel oil tank and check the float-style gauge. Unscrew the plastic cover by hand and check the yellow or red disc attached to the floating arm inside the tank. |
| How to prevent the tank from running out of heating oil | Keep your tank full. Schedule timely delivery of your home heating oil. Set up a recurring delivery schedule with your heating oil delivery service. |
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What You'll Learn
Potential damage to the furnace
While a furnace will not be damaged if it runs out of oil, there are potential issues that may affect the efficiency and longevity of your heating system.
Firstly, when the oil level is low, sediments may be drawn into the fuel line, which can clog the filter and harm burner components. This may also occur if water condenses inside the oil tank, causing rust that can mix with the fuel oil and clog the line, filter, and other parts of the furnace. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the filter and bleed the line after running out of oil.
Secondly, the burner may shut down due to a safety system that disables it if there is no flame when the burner is running. This may cause the pipes to burst, leading to water damage, expensive repairs, and mold growth.
Thirdly, the fuel pump may not be designed to run dry, and the burners may become clogged from dirt at the bottom of the tank.
Finally, allowing the tank to run dry frequently may cause long-term problems with the oil pump and oil line.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to keep the tank filled and schedule regular deliveries to ensure a consistent supply of heating oil, especially during colder months.
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The inconvenience of being without fuel
Running out of fuel oil can be a major inconvenience. For one, it means a loss of heating, which can be incredibly problematic during winter. It can also cause clogged filters, as debris gets caught in the system. This can cause the heating system to fail.
In addition, when the tank is empty, water can accumulate in the bottom of the tank, causing rust. This rust can then get into the heating system and cause serious problems. This sediment can also get sucked into the feed lines, causing clogs and damaging HVAC equipment.
If you do run out of fuel oil, you can add 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel to your tank to get you through until your heating oil delivery arrives. You will then need to hit the reset button on your fuel oil burner, which will be a large red button. If this does not work, you may need to bleed the air out of the lines and try again.
To avoid running out of fuel, it is important to check your tank regularly, especially if you are going through a lot of oil. You can also conserve energy use in your home by adding extra layers of clothing or blankets, making use of natural sunlight, and reducing the use of your thermostat.
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Condensation build-up and bacteria growth
Condensation build-up in fuel oil tanks can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Bacterial and fungal spores commonly found in the soil can enter the fuel tank through vents or during filling. As fuel tanks are vented to the outside air, there is always water vapour present, which can condense and create moisture. This moisture, or water build-up, provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which need it to grow and thrive.
The condensation of water vapour within the fuel tank creates the conditions for microbial growth at the fuel-water interface near the bottom of the tank. The microbial growth and biomass production result in what appears to be a dark slime, likened to chocolate mousse. Under severe conditions, sludge accumulates on the bottom of the storage tank. This sludge, composed of organic matter and contaminants, is a breeding ground for bacteria.
To prevent condensation build-up and the subsequent bacterial growth, it is essential to limit the amount of water in the storage tank. Regularly discharging water from the bottom of the tank is critical, as water tends to settle at the lowest point, making it a prime location for bacteria to proliferate. Insulating the tank is also important, as it helps maintain stable temperatures, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on the interior surfaces.
In addition to condensation control measures, the use of approved fuel preservatives and diesel fuel biocides can help control or delay the buildup of microbial growth. These biocides disrupt the cellular processes of bacteria, preventing them from reproducing and causing damage. However, it is crucial to select biocides approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure safety and compliance.
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Cost-saving benefits of buying fuel in the off-season
While it is not advisable to let your fuel oil tank run down, there are ways to save costs on fuel. Here are some tips for saving money on fuel and getting the most out of your tank:
- Avoid peak prices: The price of fuel can fluctuate due to various factors, including global cartels, exchange rate changes, and retailer strategies. Buying fuel during off-peak seasons can help you avoid these price surges.
- Use fuel price apps: Utilize fuel price apps to monitor and take advantage of price cycles. These apps can notify you when prices are lower in your area, allowing you to buy fuel at more affordable rates.
- Maintain a half-tank during winter: Aim to keep at least half a tank of fuel during the cold winter months. This helps you avoid running out of fuel when it's most needed and gives you flexibility with refilling.
- Buy good-quality gas: Invest in Top Tier gas from brands like Chevron, Costco, Exxon, Mobil, and Shell. While it may be more expensive, this higher-quality gas can help improve your engine's performance and reduce deposits.
- Skip the premium: Unless your car's manufacturer recommends or requires it, premium fuel is usually unnecessary. Opting for regular gasoline can save you money without sacrificing performance.
- Improve driving habits: Aggressive driving behaviours, such as rapid acceleration and frequent braking, can significantly impact fuel consumption. Adopting smoother and more efficient driving practices can help you save fuel and money.
- Minimize idling: Idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. Turn off your engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than 60 seconds, and avoid idling to warm up your engine, even in winter.
- Plan trips efficiently: Whenever possible, plan your trips to avoid high-traffic times and congested roads. This reduces time spent idling and improves fuel efficiency by minimizing stops and starts.
- Reduce air conditioning usage: Air conditioning systems cause your car's engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption. Opt for cracking a window or rolling it down instead, especially when driving at lower speeds.
- Take advantage of natural light and heat: During the day, keep curtains and shades open in rooms with direct sunlight to utilize natural light and heat. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and heating, helping you conserve fuel.
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Diesel as a temporary alternative
If your fuel oil tank is running low, it is essential to take prompt action to avoid any potential issues. While you may consider allowing the tank to run down temporarily, it is crucial to explore suitable alternatives to ensure your heating needs are met. In such situations, diesel can be a viable, temporary solution to bridge the gap until your next fuel oil delivery. Here's a comprehensive guide on using diesel as a short-term alternative:
Confirming the Need for an Alternative:
Before opting for diesel, it is essential to confirm that your fuel oil tank is indeed running low or empty. Most fuel oil tanks are equipped with a float-style gauge that indicates the fuel level. To ensure accuracy, remove the plastic cover and gently press the floating disc. If it returns to its original position slowly, it indicates the presence of oil. However, if the tank is empty, the disc will quickly spring back up.
Procuring Diesel:
Once you've confirmed that your tank needs refilling, you can procure diesel from your local gas station. It's important to note that diesel used for transportation is taxed differently and is typically more expensive than heating oil. Additionally, diesel should be stored in properly coloured and labelled containers, preferably yellow, to ensure safe identification and storage.
Adding Diesel to Your Tank:
When adding diesel to your fuel oil tank, it is recommended to start with a small amount, typically 5 to 10 gallons, to get you through the night or until your heating oil delivery arrives. Using an empty 5-gallon gas can, fill it with diesel and add it to your tank. Allow the diesel to settle for about 10 minutes to let any impurities settle at the bottom of the tank.
Restarting Your Heating System:
After adding diesel to your tank, you can restart your heating system. Ensure that the red emergency on/off switches are in the "on" position, and set your thermostat to the desired temperature. Locate the reset button on your fuel oil burner, typically a prominent red button, and press it. Your heating system should start up within 15 seconds. If it shuts down again, you may need to bleed air out of the lines and repeat the process.
Limitations and Precautions:
While diesel is a feasible short-term alternative, it is crucial to understand its limitations. Diesel burns at a slightly higher temperature than standard heating oil. Prolonged use of diesel, especially over several days, can cause lasting damage to your heating system as it may not be designed to withstand such high temperatures. Therefore, diesel should only be used as a temporary solution for a few days, ensuring the longevity of your heating unit.
In conclusion, while diesel can be a lifesaver in emergencies, it should not be relied upon as a long-term substitute for fuel oil. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely utilise diesel as a temporary alternative, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable until your next fuel oil delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
When your oil tank runs out of oil, your furnace will automatically shut off. Oil furnaces have an emergency shutoff feature that prevents the furnace from running without fuel, reducing the potential for significant damage.
Running out of fuel oil will likely not damage your tank, but it can cause problems with the filter, oil pump, and oil line.
Check to see if you are actually out of oil by checking your float gauge. If you are, order oil online right away. You can add 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel to your tank to get you through until the heating oil is delivered. Once the oil arrives, you will need to press the reset button on your fuel oil burner.
You can monitor your fuel use by frequently checking the fuel depth. Homeowners should get a refill when the tank is about 25-30% full. You can also set up a recurring delivery schedule with your heating oil delivery service.
