CARSON TALK

Maintaining your heating oil or propane tank

It looks like spring might be coming early to Oregon, but that doesn’t mean the home heating season is over yet. Anyone who’s lived in the Northwest for at least a couple of years knows that they could be running their heat one day and their fan the next well into early summer. Sometimes we have to run our heat and fans on the same day! If you didn’t get your oil or propane tank checked this past fall, spring is a good time to call in the professionals for your annual tank fill and maintenance. You might even get an off-season deal.

Until you have a chance to schedule that appointment, here’s some general tips for maintaining your heating oil tank or propane tank in optimal condition. A tank in proper working order can ensure your home heating system is running efficiently – and safely.

Common-sense visual check:

Look for rust accumulation, even on support framework.
Check the vents. Are they corroded, clogged, or missing?
Most leaks happen at the gauge. Check it for leaks and confirm that it’s accurately measuring.
Listen that your tank vent whistle is working properly when your tank is being filled.
Watch out for moisture that causes mold and moss to grow on the tanks. This can corrode and compromise oil and propane tanks.

DIY maintenance:

Keep your tank area free from obstacles that can block proper maintenance and inspection.
Protect your tank from potential ice or wind damage, including falling branches.
Especially for propane tanks, keep all flammable materials away from the tank like leaves, weeds, bushes and wood piles.
Use an anti-mold or de-moss spray when necessary on your tank annually, particularly if you are on the damp, west side of Oregon or Washington.
For heating oil tanks, fill them at the end of the season. Over the summer months, condensation can occur, resulting in water build-up inside the tank. Water + metal = an opportunity for rust to develop.

When to call in the pros immediately:

If you see a leak or you can smell oil or propane.
If you are running low on fuel.
If you identify an area of corrosion that could destabilize your tank or spring a leak.

Get a tank inspection

We recommend a professional inspection of your heating system at least once a year. Request a heating oil tank inspection during your annual hvac maintenance appointment. Carson Heating & Cooling provides comprehensive hvac services and tank inspections throughout the greater Portland Metro and Hood River market areas. Sign up for an HVAC Maintenance Plan to save money and peace of mind!
For propane tanks, please contact your closest Carson Propane branch to arrange a tank inspection. Four Carson Propane branches service the Southern Willamette Valley to the California border, the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood area, Columbia Basin & surrounding areas.