What Size Oil Storage Tank Do I Need For My Home?

An average steel heating oil tank will last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, depending on how it’s constructed – which means that if your storage tank is entering its second decade, there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to need replacing sooner than later.

The question is, what size oil tank will you need? Here are some points to consider.

Heating oil tank size considerations

• Before you shop for your heating oil tank, it’s helpful to know the size of your current tank. Two specifications matter:
  • The capacity of the tank (measured in gallons); and
  • The dimensions of your tank (height, width and depth).

  If you have a newer tank, the capacity is probably listed on its nameplate; if your tank that doesn’t list its capacity, you will have to estimate based on dimensions.

• A typical home heating oil tank size is 275 gallons; heating oil tanks may also come in different sizes depending on whether they’ll be installed above or below ground. Some other common aboveground tanks include 288, 340, 420, 500, 550, 675, and 1000 gallons; underground tanks can be much larger.
• A standard rule-of-thumb is that one or two-bedroom homes most often need a 275-gallon heating oil tank; three or four bedroom homes need a 300 to 500-gallon tank. This is a rule of thumb only; other factors will come into play (see below).
• Other sizing factors to consider include:
  • Physical space: Measure the space where you will put your tank before you shop for a replacement.
  • Planned additions to your heating load – Are you planning an addition to your home in the coming years? Be sure to take the increased heating load into account when sizing your heating system.
  • Family planning: As your family grows, so does your need for heat.
  • Lifestyle references: Is your family eco-conscious? Do you spend long stretches away from home? Do you have elderly people under your roof that prefer a warmer house? All of these factors affect the amount of heating oil you need – and how big a tank your tank should be.

Once you’ve thought about these sizing factors, you’ll have a better idea where to begin your search for a heating oil tank upgrade for your Sullivan, Orange, or Ulster County home.

No matter what sized tank you have, be sure to fill it with quality heating oil from Resnick Energy! Contact us today to schedule a heating oil delivery, or to become a Resnick Energy customer.