To our valued customers

We’re writing to make you aware of an important new law that will improve your Oil heating system, and help protect your home and the environment.

Last December, in cooperation with the Oil heat industry, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a new law that does two important things.  First, the law requires that residential property owners with heating oil tanks that have a fuel supply/return line(s) in direct contact with the floor surface to either enclose the line with a continuous non-metallic sleeve, or install an oil safety valve on the fuel line.

The law also says that once these line upgrades are complete, a homeowner can, if they wish, secure additional pollution insurance coverage for their homes.  Insurance companies across the state are now required to offer this insurance coverage.  It is important to stress that this insurance is not mandatory, but residential property owners

must be in compliance with one of the fuel line upgrade options, regardless of whether or not they plan to purchase insurance coverage.

If your heating system was installed before 1990 chances are that your oil line needs to be upgraded by July of 2010.  During your annual service our service technicians will be looking out for lines that need to be upgraded.

We suggest that the line be replaced with a modern coated line and relocated above the floor.   Most homeowner’s are unaware that bare copper can degrade when in direct contact with concrete and this can lead to possible leaks from your oil feed line.  We can offer you a relatively easy fix to this situation.  We would simply drain and then abandon or remove the old line and replace it with a new protected line.  Compliance will enhance the safety of your heating system and guarantee that you can obtain additional homeowner insurance coverage from your underwriter should you request it.  You will also receive important documentation that this work has been completed.

As your home heating provider, we strongly recommend that you consider this upgrade.  It is a modest investment that will help maintain your tank system and protect the investment you’ve made in your home.  Thank you for your business and we look forward to providing you with unparalleled service.

Sincerely,

John Jette

Benny's Oil Service, Inc.