Fuel Quality Matters

In the September/October issue of Indoor Comfort Marketing, John Levey, director of education of NORA (National Oilheat Research Alliance), wrote an article about the correlation between the quality of fuel and service costs. His basic premise was that consumers need to be cognizant of the quality of the oil in their tanks. Whether it’s because of improper tank installation, older tank designs, or tanks that are exposed to larger temperature swings, consumers can be susceptible to water accumulating in their oil.

According to Levey, “Water in fuel tanks leads to fuel degradation and enables the growth of microbes (bacteria and fungus) that thrive at the oil/water interface. Their presence leads to acid formation, corrosion, fuel degradation, and service issues such as plugged filters and tank failures.” He also states that, “All fuel oxidizes over time, and as they do, acids are formed that transform in polymeric gums – ‘sticky stuff’ that can clog filters, bind fuel units, etc.”[1]

While Mr. Levey is encouraging Oil companies and consumers to take the proper steps to maintain a fuels quality once it is in the tank, Bove Fuels has been taking steps to be proactive with their customers. Currently, Bove Fuels delivers the highest quality fuel available to them. This fuel is already loaded with additives such as advanced dispersants, fuel stabilizer metal deactivator, and corrosion inhibitors.[2] Bove Fuels wants to make sure their customers maintain lower service costs and a higher quality of fuel.

If you have any other questions on our heating oil products, call the office at (518) 664-5111.

[1] John Levey, “Fuel Quality & Service Costs: Proper Tank Installations Can Increase Quality and Lower Service Costs” Indoor Comfort Marketing, September/October (2017): 10.

[2] www.globalp.com/products/product.cfm?productID=3