DESIGN
Today, you have a greater choice of heating oil tank than ever before. At the last count, heating oil users could choose from over 300 different models. And thanks to ongoing research and development, that number’s increasing all the time.
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Whether you live in a townhouse or a castle, today there's almost a tank to suit almost any home.And, if you’re converting from LPG to heating oil, the good news is that heating oil has a significantly greater energy density than LPG. Therefore, a litre of oil will provide more heat, than a litre of LPG. This means you can store more heat in less space, allowing you to choose a smaller tank.
Almost every domestic heating oil tank falls into one of four design categories: vertical, slimline (sometimes called 'rectangular'), horizontal or low profile.
A Carbery 1100RB Rectangular Slimline Bunded Heating Oil Tank Photo Credit: Carbery Plastics
Slimline
Sometimes called ‘Rectangular’ Tanks, Slimline models are ideal for smaller applications, where space is frequently at a premium, or at premises where access is restricted.
A Carbery 2500VB Vertical Bunded Heating Oil Tank Photo Credit: Carbery Plastics
Vertical
Vertical Tanks are frequently among the most affordable tanks on the market, and an established favourite at new build and new to oil installations.
Horizontal
Horizontal heating oil tanks are often considered the most aesthetically pleasing, and are a popular choice with customers changing from a steel tank.
An Atlas Tanks 2500BHA Horizontal Bunded Heating Oil Tank Photo Credit: Atlas Tanks
Low Profile
Typically around a metre tall, Low Profile models can nestle undisturbed in almost any garden. Frequently found in rural areas and at exposed, coastal installations.
Titan EcoSafe® 1200ESLP Low Profile Bunded Oil Tank Photo Credit: Titan
Lose Inches. Save Pounds.
A new generation of 'Superslim' oil tanks, such as this Carbery 1000SB Superslim Bunded model, is taking the Slimline concept a step further.
Typically, Superslim tanks are less than 650mm wide. So, they're narrow enough to pass through a standard domestic doorway, yet remarkably, they still retain an industry-standard capacity of 1,000 litres or more. And thanks to their compact base dimensions, they frequently cost less to install too... so losing inches, really can save pounds (or euros).
A Carbery 1000SB Superslim Bunded Heating Oil Tank. Photo Credit: Carbery Plastics
Our Take...
Over the years, some myths have grown up around oil tank design. The reality is that irrespective of design, today’s oil tanks are all made to meet, or exceed, the same performance standards. So, there's little difference between designs, in performance, utility, or functionality. Instead, the ideal tank for your home, is dependent upon available space, access, and your budget.
Whilst, Slimline and Superslim Tanks have proven evermore popular over recent years, this is simply a consequence of their compact dimensions, frequently reduced installation costs, and reduced fuel consumption, as a result of increased boiler efficiency.
If you're still unsure, and require further advice, why not speak with your fuel distributor, or local APHC or OFTEC registered oil storage tank technician?
