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Fuel Tank Art #1: Pigs on Parade

While most people prefer to disguise their oil tanks in a discreet manner, there are some who decide to display the place where they store their fuel with pride. This series is devoted to the latter category of people and their oil tank art work, some of which is really quite impressive.

You’ll be tickled as pink as these oil tanks when you see this selection (even if they are turning something into a sow’s ear instead of vice versa):

This so-called ‘Propane Piglet’ was painted and decorated by Kim Boomershine in order to help her “keep [her] sense of humour about the whole propane business”. Featuring full, fluttering eyelashes and luxurious curly hair in addition to its more standard porcine trappings, this tank would give Miss Piggy a run for her money.

This family of pig oil tanks located on a farm in America certainly seem pleased to be there.

This blue-eyed little pig found outside someone’s house is rather cunningly painted, a snout seamlessly encompassing one of the more bulky parts of the tank.

This pig oil tank located in Denver is rather elaborately decorated indeed, featuring additional designs that border on the psychedelic. Flowers, vines, insects and even a flamingo finish off this undeniably unique piece of work.

This is probably the most impressive pig-themed oil tank. Found in Kokomo, Indiana, somebody has clearly gone to great pains in order to paint a realistic looking porker onto it.

The next part of our series looking at how to disguise oil tanks will demonstrate ways in which to use natural foliage to prevent your tank from standing out.

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Ways to Disguise Your Oil Tank with… Plants

Last time, we looked at the ways in which you could disguise your oil tank using landscaping. As we discussed previously, camouflaging your tank has multiple benefits, primarily preventing theft (out of sight really is out of mind) and making owning one more aesthetically pleasing. In this month’s instalment, we’re going to be looking at plants, in particular how a bit of garden grooming can help avoid your tank being targeted and making it generally easier on the eyes. Best of all, this method is also environmentally friendly!

Climbing plants that produce plentiful creepers or even trellises of roses are often the first choice for those looking to disguise their oil tank. Depending on the type you chose, such plants usually grow quite fast and well, but beware of any particularly thorny or rapacious varieties: while they can provide good coverage and quickly, they can often be invasive and incredibly hard to remove. Additionally, you don’t want to make it difficult to actually access the tank when you need to.
If you don’t go for climbing plants, ornamental grasses and shrubs can work quite well. In the case of the former, you’ll want a variety that grows tall enough to disguise your tank, pampas grass being a popular choice as it grows quite quickly and also has unexpectedly sharp leaves – a great deterrent for anyone poking around your tank uninvited. If you plump for shrubbery, it pays to go for evergreen plants as they provide cover all year round.

Whatever plant you pick to disguise your oil tank with, be sure you set aside enough time to maintain it. Many creeper and evergreen plants are quite hardy, but others such as roses need watering and tending to throughout the year. As previously mentioned, you’ll also want to make sure that you keep any parts of the tank you might need to get at exposed, regularly trimming back any surrounding plant life as necessary.

Fuel Tank Art #2: Animal Tanks

Last time we looked at oil tank designs featuring pigs: largely due to their shape and the rural areas they’re often situated in, it seems that they make a pretty popular decorative choice. However, as this post will show, plenty of other animals have appeared on fuel tanks across the pond. For example:

This tank, found in Johnson County, Arkanas, is a rather striking one. One side features a couple of colourful butterflies happily perched on some greenery while the back displays a huge caterpillar. This tank is almost as educational as it is decorative!

This turtle oil tank lives in Mississippi and is somewhere between cute and a little bit creepy. It’s certainly an impressive paint job, with somebody clearly having spent a great deal of time on it. Additionally, a smaller turtle has been added to the design by painting the extra bit that sticks out of the top of the tank, making it looks like a baby reptile hitching a ride.

This tank, located by the Cape Fear River near downtown Wilmington, is a veritable work of art. Clearly painted by an expert, it depicts a surprisingly regal-looking pelican, a sandy beach complete with breaking waves and blue – if a little cloudy – sky stretching out behind it.

This tank, found in Friendship, Wisconsin, is based on Disney’s iconic version of the Cheshire Cat (and it’s a pretty good likeness, too).

These tanks, spotted on a Watonga highway, don’t depict whole animal, per se, but their spotted paint jobs and four ‘legs’ do make them look a little like bovines from behind.

Ways to Disguise Your Oil Tank with… a Shed

While all owners of external oil tanks will be all too aware of the benefits of being able to buy oil in bulk, most of them will freely admit that the tanks themselves may not be as attractive as they would like. The problem is they need to be capable of holding significant quantities of liquid and they have to be accessible at all times, but if they’re unsightly the property owner will be reminded of that fact every single day.

It’s a sad truth that thieves regularly target bulk storage tanks, which gives an added incentive to the owner to make the tank as unobtrusive as possible. The simple fact of the matter is that if a tank isn’t clearly visible it won’t attract as much unwanted attention as one that can be seen by any passing pedestrian or motorist. Therefore, there is a great incentive to keep it away from any prying eyes.

Perhaps the most obvious method of reducing the visibility of an external tank is to cover it up, but this can present problems. One option is to hide it inside what appears to be a garden shed, albeit a larger one than most of us would normally have. This can be a viable strategy, because only those in the know will even be aware of what’s inside, so it’s unlikely to attract the interest of any casual wrong-doers.

Access is crucial

There is an important issue to consider with this option, however. Access to the tank, both for filling and for maintenance, means the size of the ‘shed’ will need to be substantially larger than the tank. This may not be a major problem for the enterprising home owner, but it still needs to be taken into consideration. A standard size tank can only be accommodated by a more than standard size housing.

Another important consideration is the potential of spillage. As always, a bund is needed should the worst case scenario occur, and this will also determine the overall dimensions of the fake shed. There is plenty of information on the internet about bunding, so be sure to do as much research as possible before you begin the installation.

It’s also necessary to ensure there is adequate ventilation around the tank. Different models may need different levels of ventilation, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations before you begin construction. Needless to say, the provision of ventilation shouldn’t be overly difficult, because the ‘shed’ doesn’t necessarily have to be secure enough to store garden tools or suchlike.

Delivery drivers need to have adequate access to the tank at all times, so it’s vital that you ensure they can get to the filling nozzles with ease. By encasing the tank with a wooden shed construction, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds, as long as the delivery driver is satisfied, of course!

Fuel Tank Art #3: Drink Tanks

In this series, we have seen some of the finest examples of porcine tank art, but here we switch to something that’s perhaps a little more refreshing. This collection, which can only be described as lip-smacking, features a range of external oil tanks that, at first glance, appear to contain items that would look more at home in the supermarket cooler.

Located at the Coca-Cola plant in South Bend, Indiana, this wonderfully lifelike cup looks instantly drinkable at first glance.

It goes without saying that you can’t mention Coca-Cola without talking about Pepsi, so here’s another thirst-quenching oil tank to gaze upon. This one is to be found in Waite Park in Minnesota, and it has brought many a double take from passers-by.

Still on the Pepsi theme, this giant can is situated by the side of a road in South Dakota. The eye-catching paint job provides a perfect recreation of a familiar refrigerator staple, and will no doubt delight motorists as they speed past.

When you’re feeling particularly thirsty, a single can may not be enough to do the job. At such times, only a six-pack will do, so take a look at these incredible tanks. It comes as no surprise to discover these are located in a brewery – the City Brewery at La Crosse, Wisconsin, and that they are a particular favourite with the local beer lovers.

Like a fine wine, Diet Coke isn’t damaged if it’s left to stand on its side, and that’s just what’s happened here with this horizontal oil tank. This excellent ‘can’ is to be found in Richland County, Wisconsin, and the only things that are missing are the drops of condensation on the side.

Fuel Tank Art #4: Fruit and Vegetable Tanks

Having recently taken a look at some cleverly designed oil tanks that look suspiciously like drinks cans, we shouldn’t forget that we can get hungry as well as thirsty. Many tank owners have chosen to brighten up our landscapes by decorating these seemingly plain amenities with a little paint and a lot of imagination. Here are some of the best food-related examples.

Just to the south of Bridgeport in Illinois you’ll find these delicious-looking watermelons that are seemingly just waiting to be sliced and eaten. They certainly make a wonderful change from the standard fuel tanks that are found in most other places.

This long cylindrical propane tank has been transformed beyond all recognition by a health-conscious owner. After all, what could be tastier and more wholesome than some delicious corn?

Passers-by and motorists in Gilmore City, Iowa will have noticed this tempting watermelon, freshly sliced and ready to be devoured. From a distance, it looks nothing like a fuel tank at all.

Returning to the trusty corn, a true staple of the American diet, this brilliantly designed tank is located close to I-65 road in Bullitt County, Kentucky.

While this wonderful tank scores ten out of ten for design, perhaps it should receive a lower mark for spelling. This maze/maize tank can be seen in West Baton Rouge in Louisiana.

While this tank hasn’t been transformed to look like a specific item of food, the paint job deserves some recognition. The incorporation of cherries onto a plain white background gives it a dramatic effect. It’s located in Traverse City, Michigan.

This half watermelon design gives this small tank a delightfully whimsical look, transforming an everyday item into what is truly a thing of beauty. It can be found in Pickway County, Ohio.

Watermelons represent something of a theme to tank owners who have an artistic side to their personalities, and this Richland County, Wisconsin offering is no exception.

More tips to save on heating oil and stay warm

Christmas is fast approaching and the last thing you want to do is pay more on heating oilthan you have to.

If you run out of oil there are a number of additional costs which can soon add up including express delivery, having the boiler bled by a heating engineer on top of having no heating or hot water for a couple of days.

We recommend checking your oil levels once every couple of months and once you start to run low order before you run out – there are various gauges you can use to check your oil levels and you can purchase some here.

We have looked previously at ways in which you can save on your heating bills – here are some additional tips which you may not be aware of:

• Buy some thermal curtains – these prevent heat loss by as much as 25% – giving you a huge saving on your heating bill and they are particularly useful in your living room and bed room.

• Don’t place your sofa in front of the radiator – this will allow you to enjoy the full benefit of the radiator

• Placing tin foil behind your radiator will reflect the heat back into the room instead of going straight into the wall.

• Purchase a water-efficient shower head. These can use up to 50% less water, which will be a huge saving on your heating bill – especially if you have teenagers who enjoy half an hour in the shower!

• If you don’t have an open fire a chimney balloon can be a useful purchase – it will stop the cold air outside from coming down your chimney, helping you stay warm inside.

• Close doors to keep the heat in and buy some draft excluders to prevent cold air from coming into the room, or warm air leaving.

• Turn the thermostat down while you’re at work and when you’re in bed – this can provide significant savings on your heating.

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How long will my heating oil last in 2013?

How long will my heating oil last in 2013?

This is a question we are regularly asked by consumers and one which there is no straightforward answer to.

There are a huge number of variables that will affect how long your heating oil order will last. Some of the main ones are listed below:

• Size of house – large detached houses will normally use much more oil than a mid terraced house.

• Age and efficiency of boiler – it is worth while getting your boiler serviced once a year by an OFTEC registered engineer. This could help you save up to 30% on your heating oil bills.

• Double glazing and insulation in the house – this can have a huge impact on how long the heating oil will last

• How long the heating is on each day and at what setting.

• How cold the weather is; we often find during the coldest winter months, customers will burn their oil much quicker than they normally would

Order size will also have a bearing on how long your order will last! Please see the chart below for an indication of the average order size in your area.

As there is no straightforward answer and every house is different, we suggest you check your order history – it’s all stored online on our website in the ‘My Account’ section when you are logged in. This will provide you with an indication of your usual buying patterns throughout the year and you will be able to judge your yearly usage.

Please leave a comment on your house size, insulation levels and average heating oil usage each year as this will help others and those new to heating oil gauge how long their oil may last.

Don’t forget to try our tips to help you save on your heating oil and let us know how you get on.

What affects heating oil prices?

This week we will try and answer another frequently asked question by many of our customers: What affects the price of heating oil?

There are a number of factors on a global scale which have an impact on the price that you will pay to heat your home. Oil is traded on the world market and below are just some of the reasons why the price of heating oil fluctuates greatly throughout the year.

• Growth in large global economies, particularly China and the USA – the two largest oil users in the world. (Japan is the third largest oil user in the world, while the UK sits in 14th and Ireland is 66th) These large economies play a crucial role in the price you pay for your heating oil. Positive statistics in job markets or employment levels, house prices rising or export levels will often translate into a rise in heating oil as forecasts indicate demand for oil will be likely to increase. Equally if demand for oil is falling, i.e. poor economic growth figures the price may fall.

• Exchange rate – the exchange rate of the Pound vs. the Dollar will play a role as oil is traded in Dollars. A weak pound means you will generally pay more for your home heating.

• Wars / Political instability in the Middle East – worries around access to oil due to wars / political unrest in this region can often see consumers stock up or ‘panic buy’ increasing demand for oil and therefore raising the price.

• Natural Disasters – In 2005 Hurricane Katrina halted oil production along the Southern Gulf Coast of the USA. As supply was suddenly cut, and demand remained the same, oil prices rapidly increased to over $70 a barrel in a short period of time.

• Recession – this causes a number of factors which can alter the price of oil. As consumers cut back on their spending they often cut back on driving and become more frugal when heating their home. This lowers demand for oil and therefore lowers the price. In addition consumers cut back on their spending, reducing shipping of goods and in turn lowering the price demand for oil.

Factors within the UK rarely have a large impact on the price of heating oil; though local factors can of course have an impact on the price you pay; such as severe weather, shortage of product at the terminal (sometimes caused if a ship is late) will have an effect on local prices. To get an indication of prices in your area.

It is almost impossible to predict what the price of oil will do, tomorrow, next week or next year, though you can have a look at our heating oil prices page to get an indication of the UK trends throughout the past 12 months.

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New to heating oil – important information

If you have just moved into a home with heating oil for the first time, you may have a number of questions. Below are some of the most frequent questions we hear and some answers which we hope you will find helpful:

• What size is my oil tank?

Knowing the size of your oil tank and its capacity will make future orders much easier to make. The average domestic tank capacity usually ranges between 1000 litres to 1350 litres. Some larger domestic tanks have capacity of up to 2500 litres. All recently manufactured oil tanks must state their approximate maximum capacity (in litres) on the Product Label, which is generally located on the front or side of the tank. If you are still unsure of your tank’s capacity and want advice.

• How much oil should I order?

This normally comes down to available budget and if you like to keep your tank full. Filling the tank can be expensive and we recommend that you only order what is affordable. You can see average ordersizes throughout the UK on our Heating Oil page. We have created a pre-payment scheme to enable you to have money set aside in advance of your next oil order.

• What is the lowest amount I can order?

Generally throughout the UK, the lowest amount you can order is 500 litres; however in some areas you will be able to order less than this. You can check by entering your postcode and an amount lower than 500 litres to see what we can do in your area.

• How long does delivery take?

Standard delivery is usually around 5 working days. In some cases there may be 10 working day window if it is to a remote location or far from the depot. If there is snow on the ground this also usually stretches the delivery window.

• How long will my oil last?

There are a huge number of factors which will affect how long your oil will last, and this is a very difficult question to answer. In previous blogs we have tried to answer this question and also provide tips on making sure your oil lasts as long as possible. One thing we would suggest is to make sure your boiler is serviced annually, to keep it running at its peak.

• How do I know when I am running low on oil?

Many tanks will come with a sight gauge (however these can get dirty and difficult to read) and you can also purchase a digital monitor which will let you know when you are running low on oil. If you do not have either of these, you can ‘dip’ the tank using a long wooden stick.

• What happens if I run out of oil

We would advise you to order as soon as you realise you are running low. Running the tank dry may mean your boiler will need bled – in this instance you will most likely need to call a plumber or heating engineer to get your heating running again. In some areas our drivers are trained to carry out a boiler bleed, and if you think this is necessary you will be able to select this at stage 1 of the order process (if available in your area). If you select a boiler bleed please make sure you leave your heating system switched on, so the air lock can be removed.