Surprise! It is an oil fueled furnace
Caution must be taken when purchasing a home with an oil tank in the house, investigate carefully to ensure that there are no signs of oil spills around the house; on the basement floor, etc. Have the oil tank tested or ask when was the last time the tank was checked. An oil furnace is quite efficient but there's a few extra steps to take to ensure all is OK.
If you are looking at homes in older neighbourhoods such as the Glebe, Civic Hospital area, Old Ottawa South, Alta Vista and Centre Town/ Golden Triangle, you might find a home with an oil fueled furnace. How do you know? There will be an oil tank sitting in the basement, connected to the furnace.
Oil fuel, unlike gas, is trucked to the home and a tank is normally located in the basement where the fuel is stored. In the past, the tanks were buried outside. This is now illegal and very costly to remove. Most homes have had the tank removed and an interior tank installed. Always ask if there are any buried oil tanks in the yard.
Many people have grown up with oil fuel and have no concerns. Others find it unsettling to have to remember to check the gage and then call to have the tank filled. You have to be home when that happens. Some people are concerned about having a tank of oil in the basement. The cost of filling the tank can be several hundred to over a thousand dollars. With these concerns and costs, some Buyers plan to convert to gas after they buy the house.
If you are buying and plan to convert to gas immediately, this tip is for you. Ensure that your offer to purchase the home includes the instructions that the owners are NOTto fill the tank before possession. Usually a full tank of oil is part of the adjustment costs a Buyer pays for when making the final payment. As a buyer, not only would you have to pay for the full of fuel but then you will have to pay an additional $500.00 (approximately) to have the tank drained and removed. Insult to injury.
If gas lines have not been run into a rural community, oil is one of the most common heating fuels. The other is propane. Conversion is not possible until the gas lines are installed.
Talk to plumbing and heating specialists to find out what kind of fuel and furnace is best for you and your heating needs.
When buying a home, make sure that you are fueled up for the purchase.
Photo credit: 58 E. Mountain Street
Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.
Valerie Zinger email: vzinger@royallepage.com (613-723-5300)
Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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