Posted by Mike Ciavattieri on Fri, Jul 16, 2010 @ 01:47 PM
On June 24, a House and Senate Conference Committee passed an amendment that extends the deadline for compliance from July 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. It is important to note that the extension applies only to the homeowner oil line compliance deadline and not the deadline for homeowner insurance offerings.
Why not call Bonsai Inspection Company today at 781-760-8162 to set up an oil tank evaluation?
For only $99, Bonsai can help assist you in determining your compliance with these regulations, as well as performing a multi-point tank safety check that includes an ultrasonic tank integrity test - all as part of the TankSure program!
As part of the TankSure program, your MA oil tank qualifies for valuable discounts, including: a $1,000 proactive tank replacement warranty, and homeowner's insurance discounts.
With the new law coming into effect, now is a great time to have your heating oil tank checked and upgraded/replaced if necessary.
For more info about the TankSure program today, click here.
Call Bonsai Inspection Company today at 781-760-8162 to set up your appointment.
Posted by Mike Ciavattieri on Thu, Jun 03, 2010 @ 11:23 AM
The new Massachusetts Oil Tank Law goes into effect on Jul. 1st! If you currently have an oil tank on your property or are listing/selling a property with an oil tank, you may be affected.
This law has two major provisions that require:
- the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices; and
- insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.
Most homeowner policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many to pay for costly cleanups out of their own pocket. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies offer this coverage, the insurance is an optional purchase for homeowners. The effective date for both provisions is July 1, 2010.
Who must take action?
Owners of 1- to 4-unit residences that are heated with oil must already have or install an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with a protective sleeve, as shown in this diagram. Installation of these devices must be performed by a licensed oil burner technician. Technicians are employed by companies that deliver home heating oil 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.
What will an upgrade cost?
The typical cost of installing either an oil safety valve or oil supply line with a protective sleeve ranges from $150 - $350 (including labor, parts, and local permit fees).
For those households that meet certain income criteria, financial assistance of up to $300 is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For more information on financial assistance, see the Department of Housing and Community Development Web site at http://mass.gov/dhcd or call them at 1-800-632-8175.
Download a printable summary of this law here.
For more information about oil tank testing, please check out my Oil Tank Testing page.