Things you should know about Oil Tanks

PLYMOUTH, U.K. - May 24, 2013 - PRLog -- If you are considering oil central heating or need to replace an oil tank (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Oil_Tanks_304.html), here are a few things you should know beforehand.

Heating oil tanks (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Oil_Tanks_304.html) are made from fabricated steel or plastic and can be installed inside, outside or underground. Either type can be single-skinned, double-skinned (where the tank has two layers) or integrally-bunded (bund means protective layer).

Integrally-bunded tanks consist of one tank sitting within another, the outside one housing the main tank's fittings and vents. These tanks offer better protection than double-skinned tanks as there is more room between the two layers to prevent oil leaking externally.

Depending on where you live and the position of your tank, most single and double-skinned tanks need to have a bund built around it for protection. The bund can hold 110% of the tank's contents.

If you're thinking of getting an oil boiler (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Oil_Boil...) heating system or changing your current tank, it's important that you get one that is manufactured to oil-firing industry trade association Oftec's standards. A registered Oftec technician can help you choose the type of tank and where it can or should sit so that it complies with regulations, which vary across the UK.

There are regulations determining how and where tanks should be installed to limit environmental and fire risks, as well as ensuring it complies with building regulations which vary across the UK. An Oftec-registered technician will be able to tell you what is and isn't feasible, or whether your current tank meets regulations. You can visit the Oftec website (http://www.oftec.org/) to find one in your area, or contact the Environment Agency for further advice.

It is important also that your tank is inspected annually by an Oftec-registered technician, which costs around £70 and £100, to ensure it is in good working order. If you have moved into a new property and ‘inherited’ your heating oil tank, it's worth arranging an inspection.

Oil tank sizes and prices
Tanks can vary in size from around 1,000 to more than 3,500 litres (although these tend to be used commercially) and prices range from around £350 for a small single-skinned tank to more than £2,000 for a large integrally-bunded one. Some manufacturers offer a bespoke service to create a tank to suit the consumer’s needs.

All heating oil tanks should have a gauge (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Titan_Wa...) in one form or another to indicate how much oil is left in the tank. This may be on the tank, next to the tank, or displayed remotely. If your tank doesn't have one, you can buy one costing anything between £25 for a basic gauge (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Titan_Watchman_Alarm_Anti_Theft_Oil_Gauge_and_Alarm_1221356.html), to more than £80 for a digital remote one.

It's important to keep a close eye on your oil tank gauge (http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Titan_Watchman_Alarm_Anti_Theft_Oil_Gauge_and_Alarm_1221356.html) so your supply doesn't get too low. Make sure you order before it becomes less that 1/4 full, especially in winter.

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