When to Use a Horizontal or Vertical Heating Oil Tank
Once you determine your heating needs and your space restrictions, it's time to decide whether you should install a horizontal or vertical heating oil tank.
Here are some factors that could affect your decision:
- Tank shape: Heating oil tanks generally come in two sizes — cylindrical or oval. You can install an oval tank in a horizontal or vertical configuration, but cylindrical tanks usually require horizontal installation. It's important to keep that in mind when choosing the shape of your tank.
- Space limitations: How much space you have to spare is a strong factor in determining which configuration is best for you. This is especially true when installing an above-ground indoor tank. If you have low ceilings, you may need to install a horizontal heating oil tank. If you have high enough ceilings but are dealing with space limitations, a vertical configuration may work best.
- Tank location: Choosing between indoor and outdoor locations for your fuel storage tank also has a strong influence on which style of tank you need. If you need or want to install your tank outside, you should choose a horizontal configuration. The earth can shift and move beneath your tank, so you'll want the tank to rest horizontally to make sure it stays safe and secure during these moments. A vertical tank can tip over more easily.