Your heating oil tank plays such an essential part in keeping your family safe and warm during our long and cold Michigan winters. With that in mind, here are answers to frequently asked questions about heating oil storage tanks.
Heating oil tanks can last for decades, but like anything else, they eventually need to be replaced. Life spans vary depending on the humidity in the environment, the thickness of the tank’s wall and other factors. But if your heating oil tank is more than 30 years old, it’s a good idea to research your replacement options.
There have been big improvements in heating oil tanks over the years. One of the most important is double-wall construction with an outside layer of corrosion-proof galvanized steel. This keeps the chance of a costly leak to a minimum. Other innovations include leak detection systems, long-term warranties and sleek designs that allow the tank to fit in smaller spaces.
Besides just wearing out due to age, a heating oil tank can fail because of condensation on the inside. When there is a substantial amount of empty space in an oil tank during the spring and summer, condensation can form along the inside walls. This eventually turns into sediment later, and, if ignored, can result in corrosion.
To avoid condensation from forming, you should keep your heating oil tank full during the warm-weather months.
Besides getting professional tank inspections, you should also do your own visual inspections because there are trouble signs that can be seen. These include dime-sized blisters in the paint (commonly found on the tank’s underside); pinhole leaks caused by corrosion inside the tank; condensation on the outside of the tank long after a heating oil delivery; and evidence of corrosion on the tank’s exterior.
The most common size for a residential heating oil tank is a 275-gallon aboveground tank. A general industry rule-of-thumb is that one or two-bedroom homes typically require a 275-gallon heating oil tank; three- or four- bedroom homes generally require a larger storage tank.
On top of the heating oil tank is a clear glass or plastic cube that is marked with numbers that resemble the gas gauge of a car: F, ¾, ½, ¼. A red marker or float commonly shows the amount of fuel left in your tank. If the float is at the bottom of the gauge or it’s not visible at all, your tank is empty or nearly empty.
To make sure the gauge is working, carefully remove the outer case and gently press the float down. If it bobs back up to the original position, the gauge is working. If the gauge is not working, contact your heating oil supplier and let them know. The last thing you want to do is to start guessing the amount of heating oil that is left in your tank.
Ask your heating oil company if they offer automatic delivery. This allows them to be correct about your fuel needs so they can make a heating oil delivery.
But if you still prefer to call for heating oil, you need to give your supplier extra time when conditions are harsh to avoid running out of fuel. It’s best to call for more fuel when your oil tank reaches the one-quarter mark.
If you’re ready to replace your storage tank, reach out to your Michigan heating oil company about how you can save money with rebates.
