Did you know around 5.5 million homes in the US use heating oil as their primary source of fuel?
You may think of an oil heater as an outdated method for heating your home, but other popular solutions like gas and electricity aren’t the most effective for everyone.
Heating your home with oil is a tried-and-true system, but what makes oil the best option? And if you decide to go with oil, how do you decide on a fuel tank size for your home?
We’re here to give you the answers you need, so keep reading to find out why oil is the superior choice and exactly what size fuel you need.
Understanding Fuel Tanks
At its core, a fuel tank is simply a safe container used to store flammable liquids like fuel. That being said, there’s a lot more to it than just that. Knowing what size you need and how to use one effectively for your home, business, or construction sites can be overwhelming.
What Is Heating Oil Used For?
We refer to oil heating as the fuel used to heat a home. Other types of heating fuels, like natural gas, are often compared to oil heat, and it can be challenging to decide which is the better fit.
Natural gas has been more popular in recent years, despite the fact that oil was originally the preferred fuel for many homes, notably in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Both gas and oil furnaces are highly efficient, however, heating oil burns hotter than natural gas. This implies that not only will it heat the room in half the time, but it will also use half the amount of fuel, making oil the superior choice for most situations.
The Benefits of Using Oil Heat
If you’re thinking of switching to oil heat or buying a home with oil as the primary source of heat, you’ll be relieved to learn that oil has several advantages as a heating fuel. Oil heating systems are:
- One of the safest heating fuels available
- Budget-friendly
- Available even in remote areas
However, like all heating options, oil heating systems are not without their disadvantages, though they’re relatively small and easy to overcome.
The first thing to note is that your tank can dry out, but all this means is that you need to be on top of your fuel delivery. Second, you need to take location into consideration. While it’s easy to work around, you should identify a spot on your property for your tank, whether below or above ground.
You can always choose a smaller tank to accommodate limited space, and you can position the tank so that it is out of sight if you’re worried about aesthetics.
What Fuel Tank Size Do I Need?
Before you go shopping for a new tank, you’ll need to determine the current size of the one you have at home. The tank’s capacity in gallons and its dimensions are the two important numbers you need to know.
Look for the nameplate if you have a recently installed oil tank. It should be easy to find and readily available. If you have an older tank, however, this may not be as easy to find. Here, try to estimate the capacity of your tank based on its size.
Size Factors to Consider
The conventional rule of thumb is to use a 275-gallon oil tank when installing a new heating oil unit for a one or two-bedroom home. If you have a three or four-bedroom house, you’ll need a 300 or 500 gallon tank. If your home is larger than this, double this figure by the number of rooms you have.
You’ll want to keep some other considerations in mind as well. For example, your home may not be able to accommodate a larger heating oil tank. It’s also possible that your area has legislative requirements for placing heating oil tanks outside your home. Be sure to look into all of this or consult with your service provider.
Consider Your Fuel Consumption Requirements
If you expect the number of residents in your home to grow soon, you might add want to add extra capacity now rather than later.
If you’re planning on retiring or downsizing, consider the implications of scaling back your tank size, though there are no downsides to having a larger tank even if you’d be fine with a smaller one.
Choosing the Right Tank Sizes For You
The capacity of standard home oil tanks installed above ground, such as in your basement or backyard, is around 300 gallons. They are normally 44 inches high, 60 inches wide, and 27 inches deep, with a horizontal or vertical configuration. Heating oil tanks, on the other hand, are available in a variety of capacities, ranging from a 100 gallon tank to a 1000 gallon tank.
Quality Fuel with Quality Service
Now that you understand more about the fuel tank size you need for your home, why not work with a quality service provider who understands your needs and requirements better than anyone?
We provide affordable and trustworthy services and have been in business since 1984. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you keep your home warm.