If you use heating oil to keep your home warm during the winter, having a properly sized storage tank will help you avoid running out of fuel when you need it most. However, with tank sizes typically ranging from 275 to 1,000 gallons, it isn’t always easy to know which option is best for you. If you’re looking to equip your home with the best fuel storage resources, here are a few factors to consider when determining which tank size will meet your needs.

What Factors Can Impact the Size of Oil Tank You Need?

Property Size

Homes that have two or fewer bedrooms can get by with a 275-gallon fuel tank. But as houses get larger, more heating power is required. As a general rule, you should increase your tank size by about 100 gallons for every additional bedroom.

Furnace Usage

Depending on the make and model, your furnace may require anywhere from one to two gallons of heating oil per hour of use. To get an estimate of how much fuel you should have on hand, consult your equipment’s user guide to determine how efficient the furnace is. Next, multiply the gallons of oil used per hour by the average number of hours you use your furnace each day during the winter. Your tank should be big enough to hold at least a month’s supply of these daily fuel needs.

Weather Patterns

The colder it is outside, the more fuel a furnace will require to keep your home warm. For example, furnaces used in 50-degree weather may only use about 2 gallons of oil per day. However, that number can increase to 7 gallons or higher if the temperature is below 20 degrees. Look at your region’s lowest average winter temperatures and choose a tank size that will hold enough fuel to keep the furnace running in these conditions.

If snow and ice can make it difficult for you to receive on-time fuel deliveries, it’s also a good idea to choose a tank size that is at least 20% higher than your average needs. This extra room will allow you to have enough oil to hold you over until the next delivery can be made.

When you’re ready to outfit your home with a safe and dependable fuel storage tank, turn to the specialists at CMS Oil Company. Serving Lapeer, MI, for over 70 years, this oil company is equipped with all the resources you need to keep your home warm. Stocked with a variety of oil tanks, these experts can help you determine which size is best for you and provide affordable tank installation. Once it’s set up, you can also count on these oil and gas industry professionals to keep your supplies filled all year at competitive rates. Learn more about these services online or call (810) 664-8491 to schedule an appointment.