With winter on the way, it’s time to think about home heating solutions again. If your clients have fuel oil tanks, you may soon be getting calls for maintenance or replacement. Before you start suggesting options for new tanks, study up on nine common questions your customers may have.
9 Things you need to Know about Fuel Oil Tanks
1) What’s more powerful – oil or natural gas?
Heating oil provides more heat per gallon than natural gas. Heating oil contains about 36,000 more BTUs than natural gas.
2) Are modern fuel tanks more efficient?
Modern heating oil equipment is about 20 percent more efficient than what was used in residential and commercial projects just 20 years ago.
3) What type of oil is used in home storage tanks?
Fuel tanks are filled with refined crude oil. The refining process makes the substance champagne-colored, but it is typically dyed red before use.
4) How big is a typical home oil tank?
A residential fuel oil tank is generally 275 gallons. Some homes have two tanks, which are piped together to provide double the storage. Less common sizes, like 225 or 330 gallons, are also available.
5) Is it safe to have a fuel oil tank in a residential home?
Heating oil is safe for home use. For the oil to ignite, it must first be vaporized. If a lit match were dropped into a pool of heating oil, it would extinguish.
The heating oil used in residential homes today is also much safer than it once was. It contains about 95 percent less sulfur than it did in 1970.
6) How often should a homeowner replace a fuel oil tank?
A new oil tank will usually last about 15 to 20 years. A well-maintained tank can last for an even longer period of time.
7) How do I know if I need a new tank?
If your tank is approaching the end of its life expectancy, look to see if it is experiencing any of the following issues:
Signs of Fuel Oil Tank Wear and Tear
- Rust and dents
- Wet spots underneath the tank or on its surface
- Unstable legs
- Faulty vent alarm
- Stuck or broken fuel gauge
- Oil leaks
- Vent pipe clogs
- Oil inefficiency
8) What types of tanks are available on the market today?
There are many different types of oil tanks available, including plastic, steel, indoor, outdoor and underground. They can be single-layer, double-layer or integrally bundled tanks.
9) Is it better to put a tank indoors or outdoors?
It depends. However, indoor tanks sometimes last longer, because they are not exposed to outdoor weather conditions. As a result, you may enjoy improved performance and have to deal with less maintenance issues.
As the temperatures drop on Long Island, you are now ready to answer all your clients’ questions about home heating oil tanks.
If your client’s home needs a new oil tank, Green Art Plumbing Supply has everything you need. We have a full stock of top-of-the-line wholesale parts and products at our three Long Island locations in Freeport, Huntington, and Southampton.
Visit us today or call (516) 379-0449 to get all the supplies you need for your next job!
It’s good to see that heating oil provides more heat. I want that for my house. But it all depends on what I can find.