Choosing the Right Heating Oil Tank for Your Home: A Complete Guide

Published: 5/27/2025
When it comes to home heating, your oil tank isn’t just a container — it’s a key part of your energy efficiency, safety, and peace of mind. Whether you’re replacing an old tank or installing one for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Your Heating Oil Tank Matters
An oil tank isn’t something most homeowners think about until there's a problem. But the right tank can improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental risk, and provide reliable heating year-round. Choosing the right tank also helps ensure your system stays compliant with UK regulations.
Types of Heating Oil Tanks
There are two main types of domestic heating oil tanks:
- Single Skin Tanks: Basic and affordable, but offer no secondary containment.
- Bunded Tanks: These include a second protective layer — often required in sensitive areas or where regulations demand extra safety.
What Size Tank Do You Need?
Tank sizes range from 650L to 2,500L for most domestic use. Think about how much oil you typically use in a year, space available, and accessibility for refuelling. A larger tank may offer better price-per-litre on fuel top-ups.
Installation Considerations
When installing a tank, you’ll need to consider:
- Location (above-ground, underground, or inside)
- Distance from buildings and boundaries
- Access for delivery vehicles
- A level, solid base for safe installation
Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure safety and legal compliance.
Why Choose TankTopper?
At TankTopper, we specialise in domestic oil tank installation, removal, and maintenance. We’re OFTEC-accredited and part of the UK’s trusted network of heating oil experts.
Whether you need a new bunded tank or want a free site inspection, we make the process easy, transparent, and reliable.
Get Started Today
Ready to upgrade or install your oil tank? Contact TankTopper for a free quote or to speak with one of our friendly experts. We’re here to make sure your home heating is in the best hands.