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?
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
Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
508-494-9061
