SG Tanks

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Heating oil or natural gas: which is right for you?

Green Plastic Tank Installation On Concrete

In February we have already seen some examples of extreme weather sweeping across the UK. While it hasn’t been anywhere near as a powerful as the ‘polar vortex’ which hit America and caused temperatures to drop to as low as -30C – the snow and winter weather has caused significant disruption.

 

And as temperatures plummet, our fuel costs increase as we all look to heat our homes. This has led to many people looking into the possibility of having either a domestic oil tank or LPG gas installed. Before you do, you need to understand the differences between the two options.

 

At SG Tanks we firmly believe that domestic heating oil is the better solution – here’s why:

 

It’s more efficient

 

There has been a belief for a long time that oil furnaces are not as efficient as gas boilers – but this actually arises from a misconception. It was common for system to run without proper insulation which made them far less efficient. Modern heating systems with a sufficient level of insulation will make huge improvements in efficiency.

 

Additionally, heating oil actually burns a lot hotter than natural gas which means that the rooms being heated heat up faster and use less fuel to do so. Additionally, heating oil creates far less condensation that natural gas, so an oil boiler will typically last for much longer than an equivalent gas boiler.

 

It can be cheaper!

Conventional wisdom says that natural gas is generally cheaper than heating oil – however, it is important to look below the surface to understand the truth. Having a private oil supply means that you are in complete control of how much oil you use. It is also worth pointing out that the price of oil fluctuates to it is a good idea to buy an excess of oil when the price is cheap.

 

It is also worth noting both that oil burns more efficiently than gas, and that homeowners are generally more carefully with fuel that they are managing themselves. So, it could be the case that switch over to oil actually makes you save money because you are managing your usage closely.

 

Ultimately you are the only person who can decide whether a domestic heating oil tank is right for you – if you would like more assistance and information on having an oil tank installed at your property, please get in contact with the team at SG Tanks today. You can call us directly on 01903 856403 to speak to an experienced member of staff.

 

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Why choose SG Tanks for your oil storage tank needs

Happy New Year! We hope our customers and readers had a wonderful Christmas break and are ready for a busy 2019 – we know that we are.

 

The fresh year seems like a good idea to remind our readers about what exactly it is we do, and why we believe that we’re the team to help with any oil storage tank needs for homes and businesses across the South East.

 

Our Team

 

At SG Tanks, we supply oil storage tanks – both plastic tanks from DESO, and our own steel tanks that are manufactured in-house. We also install these tanks on domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties all along the south coast, from Portsmouth to Eastbourne (and further afield if you need).

 

As OFTEC registered engineers, you can be certain that our installations and tank replacements are carried out to the highest standards, meeting all of the UK’s strict safety regulations and government guidelines.

 

Here are just some of the services we provide:

 

  • Free site surveys and estimates
  • Expert advice on the best tank for your needs
  • Supply of quality tanks and accessories
  • Certified installation, tank repair and replacement at competitive prices
  • Reliable appointments where your site is left spotless
  • Safety checks, for example using fireproof screens and checking line pressure
  • Pumping out and removal of old tanks
  • Aftersales support and 24-hour emergency call out

 

You can read more about our team here, check out some of our recent customer testimonials on Checkatrade or take a look at our FAQ section for answers to the most commonly-asked questions about oil storage tanks. Of course, if you can’t quite find what you’re looking for, simply give us a call and we’d be happy to help you.

 

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Merry Christmas from SG Tanks

Decorations on Christmas tree

Now that the festive season is upon us, our team at SG Tanks would like to thank all of our clients for the busy year we’ve had, and wish everyone a happy holiday and the very best for the coming months.

 

Since January, we’ve worked with lots of familiar faces and new clients, installing new oil storage tanks, replacing damaged parts and answering all kinds of questions that you’ve had. The team has been up and down the south coast, meeting with business owners and private homeowners to provide simple DESO tanks as well as building our custom steel tanks to provide total peace of mind.

 

Hopefully, you’ve found us not only hardworking and professional, but also friendly and knowledgeable about the services we provide. Lots of people have been leaving positive feedback on our Checkatrade page and we’re always happy to hear about what we’re doing right – as well as any areas you feel there’s room for improvement!

 

If you have any last-minute requirements before the cold weather fully hits, don’t forget that we’re always available. Whether you’re concerned about the condition of your tank or want to plan an installation for the New Year, give our team a call and we’ll be happy to help.

 

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Keep your tank secure this Christmas

Protecting your house

Now that many of us have filled up our tanks ready for the cold season, the next important step is to make sure our fuel supply is secure. Given the value of a full tank of oil, it’s a prime time for vandals and thieves to scope out properties that might have just had a delivery (or be expecting one soon).

 

Here are our top tips for protecting your tank this winter.

 

1 – Install a level sensor so you can monitor how much oil is inside your tank. Not only will this help you keep an eye on consumption, it can alert you to sudden changes due to theft or a leak.

 

2 – Check that the filler cap is always locked – invest in a lockable cap if you don’t already have one.

 

3 – If your property has gates, make sure these are locked too – especially at night or when you’re not home.

 

4 – Install a fence so that the tank isn’t visible from the road or property entrance (but make sure it meets building regulations).

 

5 – Double-check that your home insurance not only covers your tank but its contents, too.

 

6 – If you’re having a new tank installed, make sure it’s visible from your home so you can keep an eye on it.

 

7 – If several of your neighbours also have oil tanks, make sure you warn each other of any suspicious activity in the area (and report and incidents to the police).

 

8 – Be extra vigilant just after you have a delivery, in case thieves have been watching and waiting for you to refill the tank.

 

Finally, remember that if your tank is showing signs of wear and tear, you should not delay in replacing it. Take a look at our winter maintenance tips for information about how to inspect your tank, and call our team straight away if you notice anything unusual. Having to invest in a new tank might seem like an inconvenience at this time of year, but it’s nowhere near as frustrating as losing your entire fuel supply and footing a costly clean-up – trust us!
 

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The pros and cons of oil heating

Heater thermostat at sun

Many of us have already started bumping up the thermostat by a couple of degrees. It’s also the time of year that people are reassessing their heating bills and working out whether there’s a more cost-effective option.

 

If you’ve been considering a switch from gas to oil heating – particularly a private supply – here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.

 

The pros of oil heating:

  • Safety – although oil is flammable, it’s not explosive like gas and does not produce carbon monoxide.
  • Efficiency – heating oil burns at a higher temperature than natural gas and delivers more heat than other heating sources.
  • Ideal for remote locations – if you aren’t close to a natural gas supply line, you can still arrange deliveries of heating oil.
  • Lower up-front costs – boilers that run on oil tend to be cheaper than those that burn gas.

The drawbacks of oil heating:

  • Higher long-term costs – for the foreseeable future, heating oil costs more than natural gas. Read our post about making sure you get the best price.
  • Requires additives – to keep your boiler running as efficiently as possible, you will need to mix heating oil additives into your supply.
  • Remembering to keep your tank filled – no supply line means that it’s up to the tank owner to arrange oil deliveries in a timely manner so you don’t run out mid-winter.
  • More maintenance – oil produces significant soot and dirt, meaning that chimneys and filters will need to be cleaned regularly.

 

For more information about oil heating, particularly regarding the specifics of setting up a private oil storage tank, simply give our team a call. We sell, install, remove and replace oil tanks for domestic, commercial and agricultural properties all across the south coast and would be happy to help you.