More than six million US homes utilize heating oil as their primary fuel source for heating their homes. If you want to update your current heating system or make the switch to heating oil, you need to determine the heating oil tank size to fit your family’s needs.
Just like every other thing in life, heating oil tanks will not last forever. Sooner or later, it needs to be replaced. It might be because your current tank is outdated, is worn out, or you might need one with a bigger capacity. Keep in mind that having the tank size should be equal to how big your house is and how long it can heat your home. Therefore, you must have the right tank capacity for your home.
What Size Oil Tank Do I Need?
Below are the things you should consider when deciding the heating oil tank size for your home.
Heating Oil Tank Size Options
Determine the size of your current heating oil tank. It is helpful to know the tank’s capacity and dimensions. This will give you an idea of the sizes available in the market and help you choose the tank size you need. You can typically find the tank’s capacity on the nameplate. Unfortunately, older tanks might have faded nameplates or no nameplates at all. If this is the case, you can estimate its capacity using the tank’s width, height, and depth.
Above-ground oil tanks, like those placed in your basement and yard, have a standard 275-gallon capacity. They are horizontal and vertical in shape and measures 44 inches high by 60 inches wide and 27 inches deep. Other heating oil tank capacities include 288, 340, 420, 518, 550, 555, or 675 gallons. Below-ground oil tanks come in considerably larger capacities.
What Oil Tank Size Best Fits Your Home?
The general measure to use is if you own a house with one or two bedrooms, go for a 275-gallon oil tank. If you have three or four bedrooms, buy a tank with a capacity between 300 and 500 gallons. For homes that have five or more rooms, multiply the number of rooms with the above estimates.
Some of the other factors you need to account for include checking how much capacity your home can accommodate. There might also be some statutory requirements in place in your area if you want to put the oil tank outdoors.
Assess Your Heating Oil Consumption Habits
Your consumption habits should be factored in when deciding on what oil tank size to get for your home. For instance, you might have a growing family, so you will need to add extra capacity to account for the arriving members. You might also be spending more time at home because you have retired, or there might be older family members. These additional heating needs should be taken into account.
Emergencies should also be included. You might receive frequent bad weather that might hinder heating oil companies from providing you with prompt deliveries. Build a safety margin by adding about an extra 30 percent capacity, so you remain safe and warm during emergencies.
Hire An Expert Heating Oil Tank Installation Company
When you have a tank size in mind after assessing your household heating oil needs, the next step is to call a professional heating oil tank company. A certified operator will determine if you have chosen the correct oil tank size. They will also make sure that the installation process is done accurately, safely, and promptly.
The heating oil tank must be easily accessible and placed on a solid foundation. This is essential because it will help in future maintenance services as well as prevent oil leakages from happening. A heating oil tank installer will recommend the most suitable heating oil tank placement in your home. They will also ensure that your tank is not vulnerable to any dangers caused by sudden drops in temperature. A professional oil tank provider will make sure that the installation goes through the necessary industry-standard protocols to account for all other risks.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
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 home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.