Author Topic: Stored heating oil (Read 2580 times)

Ghdp · « **on:** February 16, 2023, 09:23:14 am »

I have been a bit thick. In March 2022 I got a delivery of 200 litres of heating oil in 40 litre containers as an emergency top up. I held back 80 thinking we might need an emergency top up at our other holiday let but thankfully didn’t. Then I simply forgot it was in one of the outbuildings. I assume it is about 12 months old. It has been completely sealed. Does it deteriorate and can I still use it. ( I know HOW could I forget. )

chrismahon · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2023, 10:02:25 am »

That's an interesting question [member=81338]Ghdp[/member] , because we are using far less oil now and so storing about 500 litres of it for next year. I Googled 'heating oil deterioration' which gave the answer that stored heating oil is good for 18-24 months, because storing it over the Summer is to be expected. It does deteriorate though, with the resulting bacteria that you can smell 'bad'. We use 'Premium' grade oil, which may be better?

Anke · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2023, 01:37:54 pm »

We only ever fill up our 2500ltr tank every other year, sometimes even 28 to 30 months in-between. Our boiler is serviced roughly every 3 years (I know it should be more often), and the last service (and all before) was absolutely fine and it is running well.

However it is in the big, bunded tank, so no idea how that would compare to a jerry can (or similar).

mab · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2023, 04:30:37 pm »

It should be fine - AFAIK they haven't started blending ethanol or the like into heating oil. When i moved here the heating oil hadn't been used for at least 4 years, and whilst there were issues with the boiler / plumbing having been sat disused through 5 winters, once I'd fixed the leaks the oil burned just fine.