How to Make Your Oil Tank More Eco-Friendly

*Collaborative Post

For someone who is making the effort to live consciously and adopt an eco-friendly style of life, oil heating probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when considering how to heat a home, right?

Many homes in the UK run on oil with a heating oil tank. Whilst on the surface it is not the most environmentally friendly option, switching to a heat pump, for example, isn’t always realistic, particularly with the cost.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to make your oil tank more eco-friendly, safer and even cheaper to run.

Time for an upgrade?

The first step would be to take a look at the existing heating oil tank. If it’s time for a replacement, this can be the easiest way to make it more eco-friendly. Older tanks, particularly single-skinned ones, are much more prone to leaks, rust and wear. This can cause damage to your garden and the environment, including soil and local wildlife.

If this is the case, then opt for a bunded oil tank. These have a second layer which essentially acts like a tank within a tank that catches leaks before they reach the ground. They are now often recommended as standard and are a much more environmentally-friendly option.

Alternatively, you can look at tanks made from recyclable plastic or corrosion-resistant materials. These are both more durable and tend to last longer, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over time.

Insulate your tank

You may not be aware that where your tank is located and how it is protected can have a direct impact on its performance and, therefore, its environmental impact. If your tank is exposed to the elements, it can lose heat more quickly, which means that your oil has to work harder and you end up using more of it just to keep the house warm.

To combat this, make sure your tank is in the right location if you are installing a new tank or have the option to move it. Choose somewhere sheltered, out of direct sunlight and away from overhanging trees. Think good airflow, but not too exposed to harsh weather.

To insulate your tank, adding a screen around it (ensuring that it is still accessible and allows for good air flow) or purchasing a tank insulation jacket is a sensible choice. Tank insulation jackets are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit.

Maintenance is key

As with most things around the home, take good care of it and you will reap the benefits. A little heating oil tank upkeep can really go a long way. If you haven’t had your tank checked in a while, it might be time to book in a professional inspection to identify any signs of corrosion, cracks or weaknesses in the tank structure.

Without regular maintenance, sludge build-up can quickly become an issue. Water and debris can settle at the bottom of the tank, and this creates a gunky layer that affects efficiency and, in the long term, can damage your heating oil tank.

Essentially, a well-looked-after tank will always run more efficiently and burn oil in a cleaner way. It is also a good idea to invest in a tank level monitor. These let you know how much oil you are using, spot unusual drops that could indicate a leak and avoid the dreaded ‘we’re out of oil!’ moments. Some even send alerts straight to your phone, so you can stay eco-aware without constantly checking the gauge.

Greener oil choices

If you are not in a position to swap out your whole heating system in favour of a more eco-friendly option, you can still make greener choices with the fuel that you use. Check out bio-heating oil or biofuel blends. These are partially made from renewable sources such as vegetable oils or animal fats. Some blends can reduce emissions by up to 20-30%!

It’s really important to note, however, that not all tanks are compatible with biofuels yet, so make sure you do your research. If you’re insured, contact your fuel supplier or heating engineer. They can confirm what oils your system can handle and help you make the switch.

Simply use less!

We are all aware that using less heating is better for the environment – and our bank balance. Less oil means fewer emissions, smaller bills and less reliance on fossil fuels. Start by turning your thermostat down by just one degree. You probably won’t notice the change, but it can knock up to 10% off your heating bill over the year.

You can also think about when and how you are using your heating. Are you using a smart thermostat? These can help you heat your home more efficiently, only when it’s needed and not when the house is empty or asleep.

And of course, think about how you are insulating your home to ensure that you don’t need to rely on your heating system quite so much. Draft-proof your doors and windows, use thermal curtains and adorn your home with cosy rugs! Keep the heat in and the bills and usage down.

You can’t always control what kind of fuel your house runs on, but you can absolutely control how much of it you use. And that’s a powerful step toward a greener home.

Whether it’s upgrading to a safer tank, switching to biofuels, tweaking your heating habits or keeping on top of maintenance, there are plenty of things that you can do to make sure your oil tank is as eco-friendly as possible. Like most things in sustainable living, it’s all about progress over perfection.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.