Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Bulk propane or heating-oil storage tank

Passive

One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.

What your site needs

Space for tank siting meeting fire-code setback distances, and access for tanker delivery

A large tank, above or below ground, holding propane or heating oil, refilled by a delivery lorry. The fuel packs far more energy than firewood, needs no splitting or drying, and burns on demand. But it is a fossil fuel, depends on deliveries, and the tank needs professional checks.

Cost

Medium

Upkeep

Occasional

Skill to build

Intermediate

Lifespan

20-30+ years for the tank itself (steel tanks need periodic corrosion inspection); fittings/regulators need earlier replacement every 10-15 years

Embodied carbon

High

Space / material use

Low

Output timing

On-demand/controllable

Skill to repair

Intermediate

Inputs

none

Outputs

• Liquid or bottled fuel

Compare the 3 ways to meet this need

Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.

• Bulk propane or heating-oil storage tank (This page)
  Can I use it? Not in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you are off the gas mains and want dense fuel on demand, with no splitting or drying.
• Dry, ventilated firewood storage
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you heat or cook with wood and want it dry and ready.
• Mains gas
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Specialist · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if the gas mains reaches you and you want fuel with nothing to store, order or carry.

Sources

• General propane/heating-oil tank industry durability consensus

Limitations of this page

We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.