Types of Heating Oil Tanks
When dealing with heating oil tanks and their systems, there are a variety of ways that your home can be heated, all stemming from the same basic process. First, the oil is drawn by a pump from the oil tank (usually in the basement). From there, it is mixed with air to form a spray that is ignited inside the burner. After that, the process changes depending on if you have a forced air or hydronic system.
Forced Air
- In a forced air system, air is heated by way of a furnace and then sent back through the house through air vents, the same as it would be through natural gas systems. The air that does not go outside is kept on a loop and then re-used again.
Hydronic Systems
- There are two methods of heating the home via home heating oil and hydronic systems, both of which involve the use of water and steam. In the water system, water is heated in a boiler and then sent throughout the home in pipes beneath the baseboards. The heat then rises and warms the room above the baseboards. In the steam system, the steam from the boiler is carried through pipes up to a radiator, which then gives off heat for the room that it's in.
Hopefully this run-down of the types of home heating oil tanks will prove useful as you search for the best deals on how to heat your home during the cold months of winter. You can start shopping now by entering your address to see the deals in your area!


