Home Heating Oil Tank Sizes

Home heating oil tank sizes can vary anywhere from 50 gallons to 20,000 gallons. Typically made of steel, home heating oil tanks come in two basic types, according to the CharMeck website.

Types

Home heating oil tanks are available as an above-ground storage tank, which can be used outdoors or indoors, and as an underground storage tank.

Sizes

Above-ground storage tanks are usually 275 or 330 gallons in size. Underground storage tanks are usually 550 gallons or 1,000 gallons.

Capacity

A home heating oil tank will actually hold less than its capacity. The actual usable capacity for a 275-gallon tank is approximately 250 to 256 gallons. This is due to the necessary "head space," which allows for fuel expansion.

Features

The 275- or 330-gallon home heating oil tank is available in an upright or horizonal lay-down position. These tanks can also be connected to other tanks for more fuel storage.

Considerations

A double-wall home heating oil tank is available and is designed to reduce the risk of leaks. The gallon capacity for the double-wall tanks are 160, 275 and 400 gallons.

References

• Able Energy Residential: Tank Capacity and Diameter
• CharMeck.org: Underground Home Heating Oil Tanks - A Citizen's Guide
• Combined Energy Services: Oil Tank Replacements/Installations