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As a Cambridge real estate agent, the city squares of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford and the town centers of Arlington, Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts are my home turf. And as a lifelong New Englander who’s lived within twenty miles of Boston most of my life, I can introduce you to other nearby towns as we search for your new home. If you’re planning to sell your home in Cambridge, MA or nearby you’ll find plenty of info about the home selling process here too. Questions? Send me an email or call me at 617-504-1737.

New Law for Homes Heated By Oil in Massachusetts

New Massachusetts Law Governs Homes Heated By Oil

New Massachusetts Law Governs Homes Heated By Oil

New Law for Massachusetts Homes Heated By Oil  It’s not uncommon in Massachusetts for homes to be heated by oil.  In some areas or communities without gas lines most houses you’ll visit will have oil heat.

Everyone has their own preference, often based on what they’re accustomed to.  It shouldn’t be a matter of price since typically the price differential between oil and gas will vary over the years. I grew up with oil and like it as a fuel source – the oil company guys know what they’re doing – nothing like having somebody with experience show up when there’s a problem, the oil fuel companies compete so service tends to be better than that provided by a company with a monopoly, and I like the idea that oil doesn’t make a house blow up.

But oil can leak and an oil leak can be very expensive.  A new Massachusetts law covering homes heated by oil takes effect on July 1, 2010 and is intended to minimize the potential for oil leaks from the fuel line.

The law requires that an oil safety valve or a protective sleeve on the supply line be installed if not already in place. The law also requires that homeowner’s insurance policies offer coverage for oil leaks. The insurance coverage is not mandatory but must be made available to homeowners for purchase. 

More info is available at the MassDEP website or call your oil company.

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  1. Ed Daniels - Metrowest Boston Homes

    Elizabeth: Good update on the new oil safety devices law. I find oil and the service industry around oil sometimes make for a better fuel than gas. Unfortunately, many home owners totally ignore their heating system, and since oil systems need more servicing, customers are more likely to have problems caught. That reminds me… gotta get downstairs and replace that old filter on my gas fueled furnace!

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