What Size Oil Tank Do I Need For My Home?
As a homeowner, it is natural that you have so much to think about regarding your home. It can be easy to forget your HVAC systems that also need tending to, including those that use heating oil. If you recently moved houses with an existing oil heating system, or you haven’t checked your oil tank lately, it’s probably time to deal with them.
Your fuel oil is responsible for keeping your home safe, warm, and comfy. You wouldn’t want to run out of heating oil when you need it the most. When the weather turns harsh, you might not be able to get your oil tank filled for a few days. Therefore, it is vital that you stay on top of it if you opt for will call or C.O.D. deliveries.
If you need a heating oil tank replacement, you might be wondering if you need to buy a different size. After all, you will need to determine if the current heating oil tank size fits your oil consumption needs.
The Importance Of Oil Tank Size
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As mentioned above, many households utilize heating oil to keep their homes warm. If your primary source of heat comes from heating oil, it is recommended that you become familiar with your home heating needs. By knowing what your fuel consumption habits are, you will be able to properly determine the necessary oil tank size for your home. Likewise, by knowing your tank size, you will be able to determine when it is necessary to schedule a fuel delivery ahead of time. Here are a few reasons why knowing your oil tank size matters:
- Determine The Amount Of Heating Oil Left: Knowing your tank’s size will let you know how much oil you have left. A few older tanks do not have built-in gauges that tell when you are running low. If this is the case for you, a simple calculation is available to determine how much oil you have left.
- How Much Oil To Buy: If you know the oil tank size and how much oil is left, you can gauge how much you need to purchase to get you through the winter season. This way, you can plan and budget in accordance with it.
- Understand Your Consumption Better: Knowing your heating oil consumption level helps you be a more conscious consumer. This way, you can conserve heat better as well.
- Avoid Running Out Of Oil: The most important reason you need to know your oil tank’s size is so you don’t run out. Otherwise, you might have to suffer through the frigid weather, which can be especially dangerous if you have children or the elderly at home.
When To Upgrade Your Home Oil Tank
There is a lot to consider when upgrading your current oil tank. However, it is helpful to know the reason behind it. This will make figuring out what size you need easier. Some of these reasons might include:
- Your existing tank is an old and defective one.
- The heating needs of your home have changed. Your family size might have increased, requiring a larger tank.
- You want to take advantage of the economies of scale. Buying in bulk offers more discounts, so you’ll need a larger oil storage tank to accommodate this.
Common Home Oil Tank Sizes
How measurements work is the first thing you must know when it comes to heating oil tank sizes. For instance, capacity refers to the amount of oil needed to fill the oil tank. An oil tank’s capacity that is for residential use is measured in gallons. The tank’s size can also mean its measurement in inches by its width, height, and depth. When you know these measurements, you can also determine the tank’s capacity.
To find out the size of the oil tank you’ll need, it’s smart to determine your existing tank’s capacity. Older tanks do not have labels that indicate their size. If this is the case, you’ll have to use a measuring tape so you can calculate the size yourself. Modern tanks typically have size labels on them, making it easier for you.
The standard size for a residential heating oil tank is 275 gallons. Other sizes available include 288, 340, 420, 500, 550, 675, and 1000 gallons. However, some are as big as over 30,000 gallons that can be used for large commercial spaces.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Heating Oil Tank
Many factors affect what heating oil tank size you should get. It is mainly dependent on how much heating oil your household uses. Listed below are some of the factors that need to be considered when searching for the right heating oil tank size for your home:
- Spacing Requirements: Check how physically big your current tank is if you are looking to upsize your oil tank. This will give you an idea if you have a room for a bigger one.
- Number Of Occupants: The more family members you have, the more heat you’ll need. You will be consuming more oil during the winter as your family grows, so you will need a bigger tank to keep everyone warm and comfy.
- The Size Of Your Home: A good rule of thumb to follow when determining what oil tank size to get is how many rooms your home has. One-to-two-bedroom homes require smaller tanks, whereas five-bedroom homes need bigger ones.
- Consumption Habits: Take into account your household’s heating habits. You might be conscious consumers who use a low amount of heating oil. You should also factor in your vacations. If you are typically out of your house on vacation during winters, you will save on heating oil consumption as well.
- Emergency Preparation: It is recommended to give at least 20 percent leeway regarding your fuel consumption. This is to take into account any emergency that might arise. For example, a snowstorm might happen, and the next delivery might not be able to get to you for longer than you’d expect.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding on an oil tank size for your home. Make sure to contact your local, trusted heating technician to help you. Seeking professional assistance will ensure that the whole process, including the oil tank removal and installation, easy and convenient.
Call McAllister Energy For All Your Home Heating Needs
For all your HVAC and oil delivery needs, contact McAllister Energy. We have some of the most highly-qualified and professionally certified technicians in Camden County, New Jersey. Each of our friendly techs can conduct all kinds of HVAC services, such as oil tank upgrades, boiler repair, ductless installations, furnace replacements, and more. We have various oil delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your fuel deliveries to meet your needs. Our oil delivery and HVAC services are affordable and are done accurately and promptly at all times.
All of our services come with a guarantee. Our HVAC maintenance services improve your energy efficiency and home comfort while decreasing your HVAC costs. We can also assist you when you need to replace your heating and cooling system. We will help find the best make and model for your home without sacrificing your budget. Our experts have the skills, training, and experience to ensure that all your home comfort needs are met. Book an appointment with us today. Call McAllister Energy for a free, in-home estimate.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (856) 665-4545 to find out more!