Home heating oil is a common way to heat your house, but if you have never lived in a home with this kind of fuel, you may be unsure of what you have to pay attention to in order to keep the heating system working. Here are a couple of things you should be aware of so you can notice problems early and deal with them head-on.

Fuel Smells

When you get a delivery of oil, it's possible you could be alarmed if you notice strong fumes in the days that follow. That is not uncommon, as those odors may linger for a day or two. If the smells continue, your furnace might just have to be cleaned out, but it could also be a possibility that the oil burner has a problem. There could be an oil leak as well, which would need to be addressed right away. Your HVAC contractor or your fuel company can tell you if there's a problem.

While strong fumes could indicate a problem for you, it  is important that you're aware that an absence of fumes does not mean you're in the clear. Carbon monoxide can still be a very real concern. Some things you could experience if this odorless substance is a problem are:

• headache
• feeling faint
• vomiting or nausea

Tank Leaks

An obvious odor of oil might mean that a leak in the tank is happening, but there are a lot more things that could mean that the tank needs to be looked at. You can still fluid leaking, but there are additional things you need to check for, including:

• Rust and/or corrosion on the surface of tanks
• Tank cracks
• Sharp rise in utility bills
• Odd-tasting water
• Discolored grass or soil under the tank

If you are starting to notice any of those things, it's imperative that you seek out the help of your fuel company so that they can thoroughly inspect the tank for anything that isn't right. It's also a good idea for you to keep the grass short and remove debris around the oil tank so you can notice any problems yourself as well.

Heating your house with heating oil can be a smart way to take care of your fuel costs in the winter. Just ensure that you are paying close attention to the information and advice in this article so you can avoid trouble with your fuel and furnace. For more information, contact companies like Small & Sons Oil Dist Co.