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When Ohio winters bring frosty temperatures, you depend on your furnace to keep your home warm and toasty. But did you know that heating oil can actually “freeze,” leaving your household without reliable heat?
In the industry, we use the term “wax point” or “gel point” instead of “freezing point” for oil. This is because it thickens (or “gels”) when temperatures hit around 20 degrees F. Gelling happens when the paraffin in the oil begins to solidify, causing your fuel lines to clog and your system to struggle or, worse, stop altogether, leaving you in need of emergency heating repair.
By taking a few simple steps, you can prevent your heating oil from freezing, keeping your home warm and your system running smoothly throughout the cold season.
Contact us for emergency heating repair in Morrow and the Cincinnati area.
1. Insulate Your Fuel Lines
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent your heating oil from freezing is by insulating your fuel lines. When cold air penetrates unprotected fuel lines, the oil inside can begin to gel, causing blockages that restrict the flow of fuel to your system. Insulating your fuel lines not only helps prevent freezing but also improves the overall efficiency of your heating system, saving you money on energy bills.
To insulate your fuel lines, wrap them in foam or fiberglass insulation. Be sure to cover any exposed sections of piping, particularly those located outdoors or in unheated areas like basements, and seal all seams and openings in the insulation. With insulation, the oil in your fuel lines will stay warm enough to flow freely, even when temperatures drop.
2. Construct a Room Around Your Tank
If your heating oil tank is outdoors, it’s more susceptible to freezing temperatures. One solution to this problem is constructing a small enclosure or shed around your tank. This enclosure acts as a protective barrier, keeping out cold wind and insulating the tank from extreme temperatures.
Building a simple, insulated structure around your oil tank is relatively affordable and can make a big difference in preventing the oil from gelling. Ensure the room has proper ventilation to prevent any potential hazards and keep it heated if possible to maintain the oil’s temperature above its freezing point.
3. Install Your Filters Indoors
Heating oil filters keep your system running efficiently by removing impurities from the oil. However, when these filters are installed outdoors, they can become vulnerable to the cold and contribute to oil gelling. Outdoor filters are especially prone to clogging when temperatures drop, which can severely hinder the flow of oil to your heating system.
To prevent this, consider moving your filters indoors, where they’ll be protected from the cold. If that’s not feasible, installing a filter heater can help maintain a steady temperature and keep your heating oil flowing smoothly.
Why Choose Us?
Since 1986, Rick’s Heating & Cooling has provided reliable HVAC services across Warren, Butler, Hamilton, Clinton, Clermont, and Brown counties. With 24/7 emergency service and free estimates on replacement quotes, we treat customers like family. Whether you need advice on keeping your heating system running efficiently or an urgent repair, our team has the training, tools, and dedication to keep your home warm and comfortable.
Schedule heating service in the Cincinnati area with Rick’s Heating & Cooling today.
