Extending heating oil life?

[BobT]

I have a question for you HVAC types.

A thought has occurred to me. I have three heating systems in my home. My main system is electric baseboard on a dual-fuel system. My backup is a forced air fuel oil furnace. We also have an LP gas fireplace.

I have the fuel tank in my basement so I am able to use #2 fuel year round. I fill and vent outside. I barely use 1/2 tank in any given year and it wouldn't take much effort to use less. I purposely try to use some so that I can refull the tank at least once every other year.

Because we rarely use the fuel oil furnace anymore, the fuel can sit in the tank for a considerable amount of time. Would I be able to extend the shelf life of the fuel if I added a fuel oil conditioner like Sea Foam or other equivalent? Could this be harmful on my furnace injector?

Thanks,

Bob

[JollyT]

If you are going to add a fuel conditioner, I would pick up some diesel fuel conditioner-stabilizer, as #2 is the same grade as diesel fuel.

[Wildabeast]

I would look at adding a diesel biocide.

[BobT]

What is that?

[Wildabeast]

controls bacteria, fungi and other growth in the fuel. You might also want to put a water separator on the fuel line.

[theoilman]

AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate works excellently for Heating Oil too. 1 bottle treats 80 gallons of fuel.

"AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate provides many of the same benefits in heating oil furnace applications. It provides fuel oil storage stability, water stability, rust protection, fuel oil filter longevity, and its exceptional cleaning properties are expected to keep fuel oil nozzles clean for proper spray in the combustion chamber. AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate promotes trouble-free operation."

Is your storage tank above ground, or if in ground above the frost line? If either, I recommend the new AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate plus Cold Flow Improver. 1 bottle treats 40 gallons of fuel.

[BobT]

Thanks, oilman.

Answer to your question. My tank is in my basement. I employ a dehumidifier during the summer months to control humidity as well. I haven't noticed any moisture issues.

So far, I've made it a point to consume the fuel at least every other year but figured if I could extend its life a year or two longer it could save me some moola.

Bob