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A Reminder! Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law takes effect September

By Carol-Ann Palmieri

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group S-96414

July 16, 2011 03:18 AM

A Reminder! Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law takes effect September

It's been gorgeous lately in Franklin, MA and no one wants to be thinking about their heating systems, but, here in Massachusetts, we are fast approaching the deadline for the law that requires you to have your oil heating system equipment upgraded. The law enacted in 2009 takes full effect on Sept 30 of this year.

Come the end of summer, my guess is that folks will be scrambling to get this done. My suggestion would be to call your service guy and address it before the rush!

(You know, end of September...

that's the start of "Oil Man weather" and those guys are going to be straight out!) Wait untill the last minute and you could be waiting for longer than you want to!

What is it all about? Heating system upgrade diagram

In a nutshell, the MA law was designed to prevent leaks from oil tanks and the pipes connected to your furnace. It requires an upgrade to your oil heating system equipment by September 30, 2011.

There are two major provisions:

an installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that don't currently have them
insurance companies to offer coverage for leaks from oil heating systems

What exactly does it mean?

Not a big deal, but, if you are heating by oil, you will probably need the upgrade, and you can't do it yourself. It needs to be done by a licensed professional.

Additionally, insurance companies that write homeowner policies need to offer coverage that addresses possible leaks from heating systems that use oil. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies offer this coverage, it is an optional purchase for homeowners (and, that has been in effect since 7/10).

What is the upgrade going to cost?

A conversation with my "go to" HVAC guy, Rich Palmieri, owner of Palmieri Mechanical.. 508 958-0523.. reveals that, it won't be a major expense to have this done.... ball parking.... up to $350 or so, depending on your system...

It is not a bad idea considering the cost to cleaning up a leak if one should happen.....

What should you do?

Call your HVAC guy and make a call to your insurance provider to decide whether you want the optional coverage.

for more info... check out http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm

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Debb Janes

Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Nice post Carol Ann - obviously some locals needed a reminder. :) And nice way to promote a local HVAC contractor.

Jul 16, 2011 03:45 AM

Daniel H. Fisher

www.FisherHermanRealty.com (704) 617-3544 - Charlotte, NC

MCRP - Charlotte Real Estate, NC or SC

Fortunately, there are fewer and fewer oil heating systems in use in our area. They are a hazard and cleanup just waiting to happen.

Jul 16, 2011 04:09 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi David. I don't think everyone here in MA has. Thanks for reading.

Jul 16, 2011 07:40 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Barbara. Kid is talented isn't he? Talk about your rolling bill board! I hope you are enjoying the day!

Jul 16, 2011 07:42 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Debb. Thanks for stopping by. Most do need a reminder, including myself :) That would be my favorite HVAC guy.... little bro!

Jul 16, 2011 07:46 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Daniel. Lots of folks still using oil around here, and many do prefer it. If they take care of their systems, as with everything else, they aren't likely to have a problem. Key word is always, if! Thanks for reading and commenting.

Jul 16, 2011 07:55 AM

Al Raymondi

Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida - Ormond Beach, FL

Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales

Nice job getting out the timely reminder Cal, I;m sure there are many that have put it off and totally forgotten about it.

Jul 16, 2011 03:50 PM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

How are you doing Al? Thank you!

Jul 17, 2011 01:44 AM

Al Raymondi

Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida - Ormond Beach, FL

Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales

I'm doing OK Cal, thanks for asking. Enjoy your weekend.

Jul 17, 2011 03:32 AM

Brenda Mullen

RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX

Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Well, I don't think we have that law here in Texas :)! Terrific job of reminding folks in your area to get that update done and get it done quickly so that your readers won't be stuck waiting forever!

Jul 17, 2011 08:54 AM

Christine O'Shea

Christine E O'Shea Broker - Naples, FL

Carol Ann, so glad we do not have to worry about that here in this area of the country...I do remember the days of the oil heat in NJ...great you put out the reminder!

Jul 17, 2011 10:30 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Thanks Al!

Hi Brenda. It's amazing how many folks still don't know about it. Thanks for taking the time to read about it!

Hi Christine! Do you smile when you remember those days of oil heat in NJ and think how you don't have to deal with all that cold anymore?? Thanks for reading.

Jul 18, 2011 01:51 AM

Tracie Cope

Granville, Newark, Heath, Buckeye Lake & all of Central Ohio - Granville, OH

ReMax 360 - www.LCountyHomes.com

We have a fuel oil furnace here in Ohio, no maintainance requirements that I know of. We mainly heat with wood though. But it seems every year, we wait until it's cold to go get our firewood. We certainly won't be getting it anytime soon, we're having a heat wave! Good idea to remind people about their fuel oil system before the rush.

Jul 18, 2011 11:05 PM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Tracie! That is interesting that you guys heat mostly by wood. I think it's human nature to put things off...especially when it is so hot! Who wants to think of something like heating. : ) Thanks for checking it out.

Jul 19, 2011 01:20 AM

Anonymous

Pam

Sounds like a good idea even if you aren't in MA where its a law!

Jul 19, 2011 10:15 AM

#17

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Pam. You know, I didn't think of that, but you are probably right! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!!

Jul 19, 2011 10:53 AM

Ginny Gorman

RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI

Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Keeping the consumer informed of items like this is paramount Cal...good for you.

Jul 24, 2011 05:38 AM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Thank you Ginny for taking the time to read this. I appreciate your kind words and support! Cal

Jul 24, 2011 10:42 AM

Dan Edward Phillips

Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA

Realtor and Broker/Owner

Good Evening Carol, this is a very interesting regulation. One that California should follow suite on. Thanks for the input, the first I have read about it.

Jul 24, 2011 05:05 PM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Dan. Lots of folks here still don't know about it. It seems simple enough and hopefully can help prevent issues. Thanks for checking it out! Cal

Jul 25, 2011 01:24 AM