Warning over contaminated heating oil

Frank O’Connor, North East Area manager said the Housing Executive has seen an increase in the use of contaminated oil in its properties which can cause serious damage to heating systems.

“At a time of great pressures on our budgets, we are using funds to repair this damage that could otherwise be invested in improving or maintaining our homes.

“We would advise our tenants and indeed any householder to be wary of home heating oil being sold door to door and to purchase their oil from established reputable suppliers.”

Although the product is sold as home heating oil, it contains contaminants that can cause considerable damage, with the cost of repairs put at between £500 and £700 per heating system.

Mr O’Connor explained that pigments from some plastic drums containing the heating oil have the potential to damage the fuel pumps on the oil fired boilers.