What are home oil tanks?

Home oil tanks are used to store heating oil, generally for oil-powered furnaces or boilers. Many are buried underground to save space, potentially posing a safety hazard.

While the energy density of oil is high, the cost of transporting it can be expensive. Having large amount delivered at once is cheaper than having oil delivered in several smaller trips, especially in remote regions. Home oil tanks are used to hold these large volumes.

While some oil tanks are visible, others are placed underground, which can make it difficult to spot small leaks. These leaks can result in dangerous vapor levels or even fires in addition to substantial environmental harm.