How to Renovate a Home with Oil Heating 2025
If you’re renovating an older home in a rural area, it could be that the property relies on an oil heating system. Before you dive into your renovation project, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure your heating system remains efficient and reliable.
This guide will walk you through how to make the most of your renovation while keeping your oil heating system in top-notch condition.
What is a heating oil tank?
Oil heating tanks are a common fixture in the UK, particularly in areas where natural gas infrastructure may be limited. Rural homes often rely on heating oil as a cost-effective alternative for keeping their homes warm during the colder months.
Oil heating tanks are storage containers designed to hold a supply of heating oil which is then used to fuel a heating system. Typically made of steel or plastic, these tanks store the oil until it’s needed to generate heat. They are often kept in gardens or designated outdoor areas and come in various sizes.
My property has a heating oil tank – what do I need to consider?
First things first—you need to assess the current oil heating condition before you start your renovation. You don’t want to finish your renovation before realising that your heating system isn’t going to keep your property warm and cosy adequately!
Check the oil tank for wear, rust or corrosion. Oil tanks have a lifespan, like anything else. These signs of wear can mean it’s time to consider a replacement. If you can, find out how old the oil tank is. If your heating oil tank stands at around 10, 15 or even 20 years of use maximum, it’s time to replace it. Even if you think it’s working fine. Trust me, it’s the more cost-effective course of action over recurrent repairs.
You can book a professional inspection if you’re totally unsure of what to look for. There are plenty of companies nationwide that can help.
Replacing a heating oil tank
Perhaps it’s time to replace the heating oil tank and make this part of your renovation plans. This is a great opportunity to find the right oil tank to suit your needs and ensure that your house is as energy-efficient as possible.
Think about whether you want to opt for a single-skin heating oil tank or a bunded heating oil tank. Bunded oil tanks can prevent issues associated with oil theft or freezing during the winter. They are specifically designed to hold oil safely, featuring a unique double-layer construction.
You can also consider design elements when replacing your oil tank. Perhaps you want to invest in a tank enclosure to match your landscaping, such as fencing. Not only does this hide the tank from view, but it also adds an extra layer of security. You could also plant around your oil tank with shrubs, flowers or tall grasses to create natural camouflage or make your oil tank more of an aesthetically pleasing feature.
Budgeting for an oil tank within your renovation
If you do decide that it’s time to invest in a new oil tank as part of your renovation, then here are some average costs to help you budget:
- New plastic bunded tanks (1,000 to 1,200 litres) – £1,000 – £1,500
- New steel tanks (1,200 litres) – £1,000 to £2,000
- Installation costs – £1,000 – £2,500
- Removal of an old tank – £200 – £500
Prices will depend on the size and material of the tank and the complexity of the installation. If you have to adhere to any environmental or safety standards then this may result in extra costs.
In the long run, it’s also important to consider the cost of fuel refills throughout the year and essential maintenance in the form of regular services.
Renovating a home with an oil heating system doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is important to factor the oil tank into your renovation plans so that you can get the most out of your heating system.
