New Law Requires Oil Heat System Upgrades
A new law in Massachusetts requires heating oil systems to have protective devices installed to prevent damaging oil spills. (image: freelance-zone.com)
A new law in Massachusetts requires every homeowner with an oil heating system to install safety measures to prevent damaging oil leaks.
The Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law came into effect on September 30 after earlier being pushed back by 14 months to give homeowners more time to comply. It requires homeowners with heating oil systems to install an oil safety valve or oil supply line with protective sleeve.
Massachusetts attorney Richard D. Vetstein explained the new law to boston.com. He said the cost was relatively minor – between $150 to $350, depending on the system.
“The required upgrade is to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. The upgrade will reduce the risk of an oil leak, so by making a relatively small expenditure now, you can prevent a much greater expense in the future.”
Owners of 1- to 4-unit residences that are heated with oil are required to comply with the new law. Installation of the oil safety devices must be performed by licensed oil burner technicians. These technicians are employed by home heating oil delivery companies or are self-employed.
“It is important to note that heating oil systems installed on or after January 1, 1990 most likely are already in compliance because state fire codes implemented these requirements on new installations at that time.”
Vetstein pointed out that homeowners are exempt from taking the leak prevention steps if their oil burner is located above the oil storage tank and the entire oil supply line is connected to and above the top of the tank.
Homeowners whose heating oil systems are already in compliance are also exempt. A copy of the oil burner permit from the local fire department may be used to demonstrate compliance.
Heating oil spills can expose the home’s occupants to dangerous petroleum vapors. But a spill can also cause significant environmental damage and be financially costly to clean up. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection estimates the average cost to clean up a heating oil leak is between $20,000 and $50,000.
“If the leak reaches the soil or groundwater beneath your house, then a cleanup must be performed to restore your property to state environmental standards,” Vetstein said. “Leaks that affect another property or impact drinking water supply wells can complicate the cleanup and increase the expense. Each year, several hundred Massachusetts families experience some kind of leak.”
The law also mandated insurance coverage for all heating systems compliant with the new regulations. The insurance requirement went into effect in 2010.
Craig says: says:
I like this new law. It not only prevents from leaks and spills, but it also helps with keeping homes safe. Oil spills are not only extremely expensive to clean up but they are also extremely dangerous. It might be an upfront cost to make these upgrades to your system, but it will benefit in the long run with the safety of your home.