Why You’re Safe at Home With Oil Heat

Posted: March 24, 2016

Posted: March 24, 2016
Posted by: David O’Connell, President of Wilson Oil and Propane

The recent Oilheat Consumer Research Study revealed that many people, particularly younger ones, have huge misconceptions about the safety of heating with oil.

The fact is, oil-heated homes are incredibly safe! Here’s why.

No explosions. Contrary to what many people believe, heating oil cannot explode. The oil that’s stored in a tank is as likely to explode as the water in a swimming pool. That’s how safe it is to store heating oil in your basement or outside your home.

No fire hazard. Heating oil cannot burn in its liquid state. Before combustion can occur, heating oil must first be vaporized and turned into a fine mist by the burner at temperatures above 140°.

No dangerous surprises. Oil heat poses a very low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If an oil burner malfunctions (usually due to a lack of maintenance), there will be visible warning signs coming from the system, like smoke or soot; you may also smell an oil odor. Other heating sources—like natural gas—usually do not afford a homeowner this protection.