Location of Oil Tanks
Oil tanks are commonly found in heated indoor spaces such as basements. They are fitted with two black iron pipes:
- A fill pipe which is used (no surprise) to fill the tank, and
- A vent pipe, containing a vent alarm, which allows air to escape from the tank during deliveries.
When oil tanks are filled, the vent alarm "whistles" and when it's full the whistle stops. This is an important safety feature and all above ground oil tanks should be fitted with vent alarms.
In cold regions like Vermont, we do not recommend installing oil tanks outdoors or in unheated space such as garages. This is because heating oil begins to gel at about 20°F and at lower temperatures it won't flow to the burner. Kerosene can be stored in outdoor tanks because it has a lower "gel point" than heating oil. Many condominiums and mobile homes are heated with space heaters or furnaces that burn kerosene supplied from outdoor tanks.
Our technicians specialize in all manner of oil tank installations, maintenance, code upgrades and repairs. Once you've got a good oil tank in place, we'd also be happy to discuss your fuel delivery options.
If your home is like 43% of the homes in the State of Vermont and your primary heating source is fuel oil, here are some important facts.