Choosing a fuel tank for home heating oil

Heating your home with heating oil can be cost effective and more straightforward than you might initially think. But one thing you will need to take into account is the storage of your heating oil. So what should you look for when choosing a home heating oil fuel tank? Well, here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading fuel oil specialists, providing next day delivery across the UK. This is our guide to everything you should know about home fuel storage.

What are the important considerations when choosing a fuel tank for home heating oil?

There are a number of things to consider when you are choosing a new fuel tank for your home heating oil. These considerations include:

  • The size of the tank
  • The position of the tank
  • Tank bunding
  • Storage regulations

How big should your fuel tank be for home heating oil?

The size of tank that is necessary for your property will determined by the amount of space around your property, as well as the amount of fuel you will need. For smaller properties, smaller fuel tanks can be a better option as your fuel will not be standing in storage for too long, which will reduce the risk of condensation and potential fuel line problems. However, for larger properties with unlimited outdoor space, it can be beneficial to buy a larger fuel tank as this will be more cost effective.

Where should your fuel tank be stored?

Your fuel tank will need to be installed in line with government regulations but you may have the option to position this outside or inside.

If your fuel tank will be stored outside, this needs to be away from any water sources to prevent possible contamination. The tank will also need to be away from driveways or places where there is the risk of them becoming damaged. It is best to keep your outdoor tank in a safe, hidden area and have a padlock or alarm system installed to deter theft. It is also important to remember to make sure your oil tank is still visible for deliveries.

Storing your oil heating tank indoors offers further protection from the weather and opportunistic thieves or vandals, but you still need to adhere to fire and building regulations.

Fuel tank bunding for home heating oil

Most tanks for home heating oil will be plastic or steel made up of single or double layers, or an integral bund. A tank with an integral bund offers the most effective protection when compared with single or double layers around a tank. This is because bunded tank is essentially a tank sitting within a tank, so there is more space to contain any leaks.  If you have a single or double-layered tank, you will need to have a bund built around them to prevent oil spillages.

Storage regulations for home heating oil

Beyond all of the above points, you should make sure you are familiar with the applicable storage regulations and legal requirements. For more information about the legal requirements based on your circumstances, see the government website.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at Compass Fuels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.