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.

 

After a sizzling summer, the temperatures are finally dropping and there’s a definite chill in the air. This is an important time of year for oil storage tank owners, as the fluctuating temperatures can make tanks a little more vulnerable. If you use your tank for heating oil, it’s likely to see a lot more use over the coming months, so it’s a good idea to double-check it’s in good working order before your next refill.

 

Here are the essentials for carrying out a tank inspection:

 

• Walk around the outside of your tank, looking for signs of wear and tear on all surfaces (don’t forget to check the top).

 

• Look for signs of sun-bleaching, deep scratches, rust spots, dents or bulges – these can all compromise the integrity of your tank.

 

• Check that the ground beneath your tank is level and secure – pay close attention to the base of your tank to see if it is taking unnecessary strain in one area.

 

• Scout the ground for any signs of leakage

 

• Check the fittings surrounding the tank itself – the cap, for example, and the connected pipes and valves if you can see them.

 

• Look at your tank’s surroundings – are there objects nearby that could be blown into the tank, or overhanging branches that could fall? Clear these as soon as possible.

 

• Don’t forget to check the bund. External bunds can fill up with water and dirt, even if your tank is kept indoors. Keep them clean and empty.

 

• Follow our security checklist to make sure that the physical safety of your tank is up to scratch before refilling it.

 

Routine tank maintenance is essential for keeping your tank in good working order and identifying any risks as soon as possible. Although it can be tempting to put off costly repairs or replacements, dealing with a split tank (particularly one that’s just been filled up) is going to be a much bigger issue.

 

At SG Tanks, we have been carrying out tank surveys, installations and replacements for many years. If we can be of any assistance – either by answering your questions or coming to replace your tank before winter – we would be happy to help. Simply call us on 01903 856403 or drop us a message on our contact page.
 

When it comes to installing an oil storage tank, understand that there are two types – single-skin and bunded. It’s important to know the difference before choosing one to be installed, and how the type of tank affects your responsibilities for keeping it secure at all times.

 

At SG Tanks, we supply high-quality oil tanks to residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial clients all over the South East, and are happy to help you make an informed decision about the tank you’re planning to buy. If you need specific help beyond the scope of this blog, please feel free to give us a call on 01903 856403 and we can answer any questions you may have.

 

Single-Skin vs. Bunded

 

Essentially, a single-skin tank is exactly what it sounds like – the oil is held within one layer (a single skin) of plastic or steel. This straightforward construction means that single-skin tanks are usually the cheapest option to purchase, and may also be easier to install and maintain. However, it’s a legal requirement that a single-skin tank is stored with an external bund or spill pallet with a capacity of 110% of the tank’s contents when full. This is to ensure that the surrounding environment is protected in the event of a leak or spill.

 

Bunded tanks, on the other hand, have two skins – you could picture it like a tank within a tank. The oil is held within the inner tank, which is enclosed within the secondary tank that acts in the same way as an external bund. Although these tanks are typically more expensive than the single-skin varieties, they eliminate the need to buy and maintain a separate external bund.

 

We sell a range of oil storage tanks, including single-skin and bunded oil storage tanks. For more information about which type of tank would be the best choice for your property, contact us and we’d be happy to help.

 

Now it seems like summer is over, many of us begin the battle of the thermostat. Households all over the UK will be debating when it’s acceptable to put the central heating on, trying to last as long as possible in order to keep our energy bills down.

 

Even if you’ve gone off-grid and are relying on your own heating oil from a domestic oil tank, you’ll want to keep your usage down as much as possible. You may also have heard of homeowners turning to additives as a way of saving money… but what are these additives, and are they worth it?

 

What are home heating oil additives?

 

There are several types of heating oil additives, designed to improve the lifespan and efficiency of your storage tank, boiler and heating system, generally by changing the viscosity or flash point of your oil. These include water controllers that manage excess condensation, line cleaners that keep the pipes clear of sludge, biocides that eliminate microbial growth and stabilisers that limit the effect of environmental factors and contaminants.

 

While they won’t magically make your oil generate more heat, using certain additives will, over time, save you money by allowing your tank and boiler to function more effectively and ultimately burn less oil.

 

How can I tell if I need to use additives?

 

Using additives in a new heating system is a bit like choosing the premium fuel option at the petrol station. You may not notice a different initially, but it will keep your boiler functioning more smoothly for longer if you do. If you don’t currently use additives, you may want to consider using them if:

 

• You notice that your rate of consumption seems to be creeping up
• You have reason to believe your fuel lines or injectors are getting clogged
• You notice a build-up of sludge
• The oil in your tank is freezing or thickening over cold months

Are additives worth using?

 

In the right conditions – and with a little bit of luck – your tank and boiler can function perfectly well without needing to use lots of additives in the fuel. However, preventing a problem from occurring is typically far better for your system (and wallet) than trying to remedy one, as you’ll usually only notice issues once the efficiency has already been compromised.

 

Your fuel supplier is the best person to talk to for more detailed information about additives, as they’ll be able to supply these and help you ensure they get properly mixed into your oil. However, if you are concerned about the efficiency of your tank, it may be best to arrange an inspection with our OFTEC-certified technician to fully understand the issue first. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to come out and give your tank a health check as soon as possible.

 

Are you thinking about installing an oil tank on your property, or are you due for a replacement? Perhaps you’re looking at buying a new home or commercial site that has an existing tank and you’re not sure whether it’s a benefit or a drawback. If you have any questions about oil tanks or switching to oil, our team will be happy to answer for you. In the meantime, here are four of the most common misconceptions about oil storage tanks – and the truth behind them.

 

1 – Once you install a tank, you don’t need to worry about it again

 

Although steel tanks and plastic tanks are extremely durable, the better you look after your tank, the longer it will last. We recommend carrying out regular tank inspections and basic seasonal maintenance to prevent leaks or spills, and your tank should be given a professional service once a year.

 

2 – A plastic tank is as strong as a metal tank

 

Plastic oil tanks, like the DESO tanks we supply, typically cost less than metal tanks of an equivalent size, making them very appealing to cost-conscious customers. However, the increased durability of a steel tank makes them more weather-resistant and less prone to accidental damage or ongoing wear and tear. If you keep up with your tank maintenance, a steel tank should last you much, much longer than a plastic one. At SG Tanks, we provide a two-year warranty for all our plastic tanks and a five-year warranty on our steel tanks.

 

3 – Oil tanks are vulnerable to theft

 

It’s true that a freshly-filled tank could be attractive to thieves, due to the value of the oil inside. However, tanks generally have robust security features and steel tanks in particular are highly resistant to being drilled into for siphoning. For more details about tank security, read our guide.

 

4 – Industrial or agricultural properties benefit most from having an oil tank

 

It’s common to find private oil tanks on business premises, but domestic properties can benefit from having their own supply too. An increasing number of homeowners in the UK are keen to have greater control over their fuel usage and energy bills – which is much easier if you switch to oil. Domestic oil storage tanks start at very affordable prices and our experienced team will be more than happy to come out and install one for you.