Prevent Heating Oil Gelling

Schedule Delivery

Pay Online

Serving Delaware County and Surrounding Areas

Blog Layout

How to Prevent Heating Oil from Gelling in Freezing Temperatures

February 26, 2025

Winter can be brutal, and if you rely on heating oil to keep your home warm, you need to ensure it stays in top condition. One major concern during freezing temperatures is heating oil gelling—a process where the oil thickens, restricting fuel flow and potentially shutting down your heating system. At Liberty Bell Discount Fuel, we want to help you avoid this issue and keep your home comfortable all winter long.

What Causes Heating Oil to Gel?

Heating oil contains paraffin wax, which begins to solidify when temperatures drop too low. As the oil thickens, it clogs fuel lines and filters, preventing your furnace or boiler from functioning properly. This usually happens when temperatures fall below 20°F, but with the right precautions, you can keep your oil flowing smoothly.

How to Prevent Heating Oil Gelling

1. Use a Winter Blend Heating Oil

A winter blend combines standard heating oil with kerosene, which has a lower freezing point. This mixture improves cold-weather performance and reduces the risk of gelling. At Liberty Bell Discount Fuel, we offer high-quality winter blends to keep your heating system running efficiently.

2. Add an Anti-Gelling Additive

Heating oil additives are designed to lower the oil’s pour point and prevent wax particles from forming. Adding these treatments before a major cold snap can make a big difference. Ask us about recommended anti-gelling additives for your system.

3. Keep Your Oil Tank Full

A partially filled tank allows condensation to form inside, which can lead to fuel line freezing and sludge buildup. Keeping your tank full minimizes moisture accumulation and helps maintain consistent oil temperature.

4. Insulate Your Fuel Lines

Exposed fuel lines are more susceptible to freezing. Wrap them with insulation or use heated tape to prevent temperature drops that could lead to gelling.

5. Install a Tank Heater

A tank heater keeps your heating oil at a stable temperature, ensuring it doesn’t thicken in extreme cold. While this may require an upfront investment, it’s a great long-term solution for homes in areas with harsh winters.

6. Protect Outdoor Oil Tanks

If your heating oil tank is outdoors, consider building a protective enclosure to shield it from wind and extreme cold. Even a simple insulated cover can help maintain a more stable oil temperature.

What to Do If Your Heating Oil Gels

If you suspect your heating oil has gelled, follow these steps:

Check the fuel filter and lines for clogs.
Use a heating oil treatment designed to dissolve gelled fuel.
Apply heat (such as a space heater or heat lamp) near the filter and lines to slowly melt any wax buildup.
Call a professional if your system won’t restart after thawing.

Stay Warm with Liberty Bell Discount Fuel

At Liberty Bell Discount Fuel, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners stay warm and comfortable all winter. We offer high-quality heating oil, winter blends, and expert advice to keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a delivery or ask about our cold-weather fuel treatments!

📞 Call Now:(610)449-1355

< Older Post