Heating Oil Tank Replacement Options
Time for a New Oil Tank? Bolkema Has the Info You Need
How old is your oil tank? If you aren’t sure, or if it’s approaching the thirty-year mark, you should definitely start thinking about heating oil tank replacement options. And we strongly recommend getting the job done before winter.
Here’s why: If you’ve filled it up for the winter, it will be a much bigger job. And if your tank is really past its retirement and it fails when it’s full of oil, you’ll be dealing with a heating oil spill, which is a much bigger problem than just replacing your old tank.
The good news is you have lots of great options to choose from. Here are the important factors to consider.
Construction
Your old heating oil tank is probably steel, with either single or double walls. Steel tanks are still available today, but they are built to a much higher standard than in the past. Alternative construction materials such as fiberglass and polyethylene for the inner lining of double-walled tanks and weld-free construction make them virtually leak-proof. They will last 50 years or more.
Design
While most people don’t expect much in terms of design when it comes to equipment like heating oil tanks, it can be important. While it’s not about looks, today’s models are styled to fit in smaller spaces, and for vertical or horizontal installations.
Pay attention to the location of the connector valve. Connectors at the bottom of the tank (instead of the side) help the tank last longer, since oil and sediment doesn’t get “trapped” below the valve.
Modern Features
The technological advances in heating oil tanks like those we install from Granby and Roth may surprise you. Features include leak-detection systems and long-term warranties, and some models include a tank monitor feature that allows you to check the level of oil in your tank with an app.
Additional Considerations
The other main considerations are heating oil tank size and location. You may be replacing a heating oil tank that was installed 30 years ago or more. Your heating oil usage may be vastly different than when you or the previous owners installed it. For example, in the past, your home may have been primarily unoccupied during the day during the week, with everyone at home or at school. But now, maybe one or more people work from home at least part time: that means you may be setting your thermostat higher more than you might have in the past. On the other hand, perhaps you’ve installed a new, super-high-efficiency heating system. In that case, you might be using less fuel to keep your home the same temperature as in the past. Either way, the pros at Bolkema can help assess your needs, and make sure you have the right size tank to keep your home and family warm and comfortable.
The other consideration is location: if you are replacing an underground heating oil tank, you may want to consider removing the old heating oil tank and situating your new tank indoors. The advantages to having an indoor tank, if you have a suitable location, can be significant: It’s easier to maintain and monitor the tank for leaks, and you may not be able to get heating oil tank insurance for an underground tank.
Ready for a New Tank?
If you think it’s time to replace your heating oil tank, contact the pros at Bolkema today to learn more about expert oil tank removal and replacement—and reliable heating oil deliveries in Northern New Jersey and lower New York State, too. For details, contact us today.