MassDEP Reminds Homeowners of Heating Safety

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is reminding homeowners who heat their homes with oil to take the proper precautions this season.

MassDEP issued a reminder to prepare for winter by checking all boilers and tanks and scheduling routine maintenance. They said it is also important to make sure the residence meets the new requirement under the Massachusetts Homeowner Heating Safety Law, which requires homeowners with oil burning heating systems to have either an oil-safety valve or protective sleeve on the oil supply line if the oil supply line is in contact with concrete, earth or other floor surfaces. 

The addition to the Massachusetts Homeowner Heating Safety Law is there to prevent potentially costly and environmentally damaging oil leaks. The law also requires that insurance companies which write homeowner insurance policies make coverage for leaks from home oil heating systems available to homeowners in compliance with the leak prevention requirements.

The deadline for homeowners to comply with the leak prevention requirements is September 30, 2011, but to avoid any last-minute crunch, The MassDEP suggests having this work done now. In their release the MassDEP points out that homes constructed since 1990 with oil burner systems are likely to already have one of these devices consistent with the fire safety code on new construction. In addition, older homes where the heating system has been substantially repaired or upgraded, or where a new oil tank has been installed may also already be in compliance.

MassDEP and the Department of Fire Services are working to raise awareness of the new leak prevention requirement. Each year over 100 oil leaks occur in Massachusetts. Cleanup can cost from $15,000, to $250,000 or more.

"Every year, there are incidents of leaks from residential heating systems that cause oil vapors in homes or impact the environment resulting in costly cleanups," MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt said. "By installing leak prevention devices homeowners can prevent leaks and gain peace of mind."

The cost of the leak prevention upgrades range from $150 to $350 per system and must be performed by a licensed oil burner technician.