More than six million American households use heating oil to power their home heating systems. If you are part of this number and are considering a system upgrade or want a brand new heating oil system installation, the most crucial decision you need to make is what heating oil tank size best fits your home and needs.
Heating oil tanks are built tough, but they are not invincible. Like any other machines and appliances, they will not last forever. Some of the reasons you might need to replace your residential oil tank include wear and tear, your needs have changed, or you have an outdated tank. You need to consider several aspects before making this type of decision. The most basic of these is the heating oil tank size because its capacity will tell you how much space your heating system can heat and for how long.
This article discusses the considerations you need to think about when selecting the heating oil tank size that best fits your home.
Before shopping for a new heating oil tank, determine the size of your existing tank because this will be helpful in choosing the tank size you need. It will also tell you what model sizes are available.
Two sets of numbers are essential when looking at heating oil tank sizes. These are the tank’s capacity in gallons and its dimensions. The latter includes the tank’s height, width, and depth.
If you own a relatively new tank, check the nameplate as the capacity is typically indicated there. If you have an older tank where the capacity isn’t shown, you can estimate it using the tank’s dimensions.
Standard above-ground oil tanks (like those in your home’s basement or yard) usually have a 275-gallon capacity. They can come in either a horizontal or vertical orientation and have a dimension of 44 inches high by 60 inches wide and 27 inches deep. It also comes in various capacities, including:
Keep in mind that below-ground oil tanks can come in larger sizes as well.
A general measure you can use when installing a new heating oil system is that a 275-gallon oil tank is typically enough for a two-bedroom home. At the same time, a three to four-bedroom home usually requires a tank with a 300 to 500-gallon capacity. If you own a larger home, you can multiply these estimates with how many rooms there are in your home.
However, remember that many factors need to be considered before deciding on the most suitable oil tank size for your home. For instance, some homes cannot be installed with certain larger-sized storage oil tanks. There might also be requirements that need to be done if you want the tank installed outside.
Take a closer look at your household’s oil consumption habits. If you think your family will likely grow anytime soon, consider the additional capacity you’ll need before the new occupants arrive. If you will retire soon or have elderly family members, you will likely spend more time at home. Therefore, you need extra heating from your furnace or boiler.
Consider emergencies as well. For example, if your area experiences bad weather like snowstorms, it is recommended that you build a safety margin. This is because these situations prevent prompt refilling of heating oil in your tank, meaning that you won’t have to schedule an oil delivery more often. Having a 30% or more extra capacity can help you deal with this issue easily.
When you have assessed the heating oil needs of your family and you have decided on which tank size will work best for you, the next thing you need to do is call a certified heating oil tank supplier to install the tank. A professional contractor will ensure that you have selected the correct oil tank size to fit your needs. They will also ensure that the installation process is done safely and professionally.
Professional heating oil tank installers will also make sure that the tank is placed in the ideal position in your home. This means the place is easy to access, and the tank is adequately secured to a solid foundation. This is essential as it keeps dangerous oil leaks from happening. They will also make sure that the tank isn’t exposed to hazards from temperature drops which can result in a frozen heating oil system. All these risks will be considered by the professional oil tank installation company using the necessary industry-standard protocols.
Tower Energy is a local heating oil supplier that offers fast, friendly, and affordable fuel deliveries. We offer different delivery plans, including will call and automatic oil deliveries. We also provide our customers with many financing options so, essentially, you can customize your oil deliveries to meet your particular needs.
We also offer a full line of HVAC services. Some of those services include heating and cooling repairs, tune-ups, replacements, and more. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your complete satisfaction. Our services aim to improve comfort, efficiency, indoor air quality, and much more. We offer free, in-home estimates. Give Tower Energy a call today to find out more.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.
