Oil-heated homes are always ready for the winter months. They are not dependent on a regular supply from external sources because the fuel is kept in their own fuel oil tank. They are less vulnerable to supply outages than natural gas-powered homes. However, homeowners must verify that their oil tank size is large enough to meet their heating requirements. It’s also a good idea to use the heating oil tank gauge to keep track of how much fuel is left in the tanks. This will make it easier to schedule heating oil deliveries.
The Fundamentals of Float Gauges in Oil Tanks
- The Fundamentals of Float Gauges in Oil Tanks
- Finding the Property’s Oil Tank
- Float Gauge Reading in an Oil Tank
- Calculating the Amount of Fuel Left in Your Heating Oil Tank
- Examining the Oil Tank Gauge for Failure
- How to Get Around a Faulty Oil Tank Gauge
- Heating Oil Tank’s Average Lifespan
- Conclusion
- Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Requirements
Oil tank design hasn’t changed much over the last century. It is simple to use and efficient. The primary body of the tank is usually a welded steel vessel with curved edges. There is a fill pipe for adding oil during a heating oil delivery as well as a vent pipe for releasing excess air. When air escapes, a vent alarm (whistle) is situated beneath the vent pipe and generates a sound. Through oil feed pipes, oil is fed from the tank to the burner. The float gauge, which consists of an arm with a hinged end that floats on the oil’s surface, is the final component. As oil is exhausted, the arm lowers and moves the indicator disc down with it.
Finding the Property’s Oil Tank
If you newly purchased a home that uses home heating oil, you must locate the oil tank on your property in order to read the oil tank gauge. This is sometimes a straightforward procedure when the tank is elevated above the ground. A basement or an underground oil tank, on the other hand, may serve as concealment for it. The float gauge and exterior pipes should be easily accessible. Tanks are huge containers that store at least 275 gallons of heating oil when filled to capacity. For purposes of safety, these are not loaded to capacity. They usually carry between 225 and 250 gallons of oil. The remaining space in the tank is filled with air. The heating oil can expand without causing any problems as a result of this.
Float Gauge Reading in an Oil Tank
Now that you’ve located it, check the gauge above the oil tank. There should be a transparent, cylinder-shaped gadget with a disc-shaped indicator in view. The common indicators are F for Full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and E for Empty. Observe the location of the disc to determine the level of the heating oil tank. Those who are seeing this for the first time may find themselves confused as to how to read the gauge. They can’t decide if they should go for the disc’s top or bottom. In reality, it really doesn’t matter since the gauge isn’t an accurate instrument. Simply figure out where the disk’s center is in relation to the marks.
Calculating the Amount of Fuel Left in Your Heating Oil Tank
After estimating the fuel level in the tank, the next step is to figure out how many gallons are left. This is something that must be done manually using a basic formula. Calculate the tank’s fuel capacity by first determining the size of the tank itself. 275-gallon water tanks, for example, are common in many homes. Because it can’t be filled completely, it’ll usually only hold 240 gallons of heating oil, with the rest filled with air. As a result, only 60 gallons are left, as indicated by a float gauge reading of 1/4 full (240 multiplied by 0.25). Although this will last for a few weeks, it is best to get a refill straight away rather than waiting for the tank to run out. A heating oil supply should be scheduled when the tank is roughly 30% full, as a general rule.
Examining the Oil Tank Gauge for Failure
The float gauge only gives an approximation of the existing fuel level. It may occasionally fail to deliver an accurate estimate due to a malfunctioning float mechanism. You can check by removing the outer case and pushing the float downward. After being released, the float should rise on its own. If not, you have a broken float that has to be repaired by an expert. This can happen with older tanks due to wear and tear. The arm below can also swivel and become trapped in the tank’s side. Finally, sludge can weigh down floats, preventing them from functioning correctly.
How to Get Around a Faulty Oil Tank Gauge
You can measure the fuel level with an alternative approach if the gauge on your tank is broken. This is also true for tanks without a float gauge. A long and thin stick that can fit inside the hole is required for manual measurement. The length must be sufficient to cover the height of the tank. Dip the stick immediately after refueling to determine the level of fuel at the top of the tank when it is full. Make a mark on it. The same stick can be used later on to see how low the oil level has gotten.
Heating Oil Tank’s Average Lifespan
A full tank of heating oil often lasts for a considerable amount of time. The duration will be determined by:
- size of the tank
- internal temperature controls
- the size of your home
- weather conditions
- insulation levels
- rate of utilization
- the effectiveness of their heating unit
- additional factors
Heating oil is typically only used to heat certain rooms in most homes. Several others will make sure that they have heating for the whole house. Individuals can keep track of their fuel consumption throughout the year to estimate their annual heating oil requirements.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania winter months can be extreme. It is not a good idea to allow your home’s heating oil to run low during the winter months. You want to avoid a situation where you don’t have adequate heating in the middle of winter. To determine how much fuel remains in the tank, make use of the float gauge. If the tank is less than one-third of its maximum capacity, request an oil delivery as soon as possible. This is the best way to ensure that your home remains warm and pleasant throughout the winter months.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Requirements
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior full-service home heating oil delivery company near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide HVAC services and free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.