Flack Broadcasting - DEC: With winter heating season nearing, homeowners are reminded to examine appliances, oil tanks

Oct 22, 2024

The New York State DEC is advising property owners to prioritize safety when preparing for home heating needs this fall and winter.

“Planning ahead for the winter season will help save New Yorkers time, money, and potential headaches later on when it comes to home heating,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.

“Annual inspections and other simple precautions can prevent leaks and spills and ensure people, property, and the environment are protected.”

DEC is encouraging property owners to inspect fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills prior to receiving any shipments of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season.

In addition, DEC urged residents to take steps now to utilize programs designed to save consumers energy and money.

Natural Gas Safety

Natural gas produced by a gas or oil well is odorless and difficult or impossible for a person to detect.

While the primary component of natural gas is methane, gases like propane and butane may also be present in addition to water, because the gas is raw and untreated.

This may result in improper and erratic combustion in appliances. The risk of an explosion due to natural gas build-up in a home is substantially greater when that gas is not provided by a utility.

If a home-use well is connected to a house or other structure:

Fuel Oil Safety

DEC also reminds home and property owners to inspect heating fuel oil storage tanks for leaks or spills before ordering and receiving fuel oil.

Annual inspections can prevent leaks and spills and protect property, public health, and the environment. Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below.

For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

NYS DEC image.