Storage dimensions

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Well, this year I'll do windows and see if my insert keeps up with heating my 1600 sq ft log home, but I'm looking at a boiler in the future.

For 2 people in a 2 story 1600 sq ft home, how much of a storage tank would I need for heat and DHW? Could I get away with 500 gal? What are the dimensions of a storage tank like that?

Thanks,
-pH
 
I think it depends on the size boiler and the size storage the manufacturer recommends to go with it. Although many say you can't have too much storage.
 
chuck172 said:
I think it depends on the size boiler and the size storage the manufacturer recommends to go with it. Although many say you can't have too much storage.
I agree with the cant have to much storage
 
Storage tank is not based on boiler size. It is based on on your needs and what you are trying to accomplish. If you are just looking for a buffer then 500 gallons will work. If you are looking to go a full day or more between fires - you will need much more capacity. I have around 700 gallons. For DHW this time a year I light the fire once every 3-4 days. Needless to say, I wish I had more capacity.
 
I understand what you're saying sparke- that's why I specified only 2 people, 1600 sq ft etc.- but even then it's variable

My question really is- how big is a 500 gallon or 800 galon tank with insulation? Are they 5 and 7 feet across, respectively or what?

I want to know where it will fit in my basement
 
I can calculate cylinder volumes in my sleep. I want to know if I BUY one from one of the major vendors- what dims do they come in?

They have set sizes. They sell you a collapsible tank. Have to add some for insulation, pipe fittings sticking out, etc.

I could just seal the whole basement and flood it... :)
 
Adios Pantalones said:
I can calculate cylinder volumes in my sleep. I want to know if I BUY one from one of the major vendors- what dims do they come in?

They have set sizes. They sell you a collapsible tank. Have to add some for insulation, pipe fittings sticking out, etc.

I could just seal the whole basement and flood it... :)

The answer is somewhat situational. In my case, I looked for the biggest tank that would fit in the space that I had available. That ended up being a tank that was about 5' x 7' x 4' tall. After insulation, it's 7 x 9 x 6'6". Volume works out to 880 gallons. An indoor tank wouldn't need as much insulation, but might have to be one of the collapsible ones depending on basement access.

The ready-made (STSS) tanks are quite spendy. Most folks here have rolled their own in some fashion.
 
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