Home Heating Oil Tanks; Which is Best?

Written by Posted On Monday, 05 June 2017 03:44

Many homeowners in the UK are disconnecting from the mains grid gas, and switching to a private heating oil supply. Not only can it work out cheaper and more fuel-efficient, you can also enjoy the feeling of making your home more self-sufficient for the future. If want to install a heating tank or need to upgrade your current container, here are a few points to help you decide which one is best for you.

Construction Type:

There are three kinds of home heating oil tanks:
1. Single-skin tanks are made with a single layer or metal or plastic, and are usually the cheapest to buy. However, there are strict regulations on their usage, and if you need to install a secondary containment system (a “bund”), it may negate the price difference.

2. Double-skin containers are essentially a tank within a tank, making them less susceptible to leaks. Pipes, vents and other openings are still exposed to the outside.

3. Bunded tanks completely enclose the main tank within a secondary container – including its fittings. This provides the greatest level of protection should any part of the main storage unit fail.

A qualified engineer can make an informed judgement on the type of tank you need to install, whether you will require an external bund, and what to do in the case of a domestic leak.

Size:

The best size will depend on how much room you have on your property. Home storage tanks typically hold between 1000 and 2500 litres and if you have the room, bigger is often better. Oil tends to be cheaper when you buy in bulk, so filling a bigger tank will not only last a lot longer, but probably be more cost-effective.

 

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Material:

There are advantages and drawbacks to both plastic and steel, so take the time to consider where you will be storing it, how much maintenance you’re happy to undertake, and the level of security you require.


Steel Tanks:

- Highly durable, resistant to weathering
- Harder to break into than plastic
- Coated for resistance to internal and external corrosion (but this will need to be reapplied each year)
- Generally longer-lasting than plastic
- Heavy, making them difficult to manoeuvre

Plastic tanks:

- Seamless construction so less susceptible to leakages
- Lighter, so easier to transport and relocate
- Available in a greater variety of sizes and shapes
- Easier to drill into or siphon from, making them less secure
- Can be weakened by direct sunlight and weathering

For outdoor storage, particularly in locations that are easily accessible or visible, a steel container will provide both excellent value and peace of mind that your valuable fuel supply is secure.
If you can keep your tank in a garage or outbuilding, plastic should be sturdy enough. Be aware that indoor tank storage is subject to certain fire-safety regulations, and consult an OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) technician for specific information.

Don’t forget:

- A solid base: Your tank must be situated on a base that extends beyond the tank edges by at least 300mm. It needs to be adequate for the weight of your (filled) tank, and not be susceptible to sinking or warping into the ground in adverse weather.

- Padlocks will keep your tank secure and make it far less attractive to would-be thieves. Level gauges can let you know when to re-order your oil, and some will alert you to sudden drops in volume (caused by a theft or leak).

- Clear labelling: Your tank should be properly labelled with the type of fuel inside, and the steps required if it leaks or spills.

- Insurance: Update your home contents insurance to make sure it covers oil loss. Accidents happen and repairing, cleaning and replacing a whole tank of oil can get very expensive if you’re not insured.

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