Common Heating Oil FAQs

Many homeowners utilize heating oil to ensure that their homes are warm throughout the winter season. However, some have never used heating oil-powered HVAC units before for various reasons. If this is the case, then you most likely have a lot of questions in mind. This article will help you get the answer to some of the most common heating oil FAQs: [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Is Heating Oil Safe To Use?

Table of Contents:

• Is Heating Oil Safe To Use?
• Is Heating Oil Eco-Friendly?
• Can I Rely On Home Heating Oil?
• Is Heating Oil Efficient?
• How Long Do Oil Heating Systems Last?
• What Does AFUE Mean?
• Where Does Heating Oil Come From?
• Why Is Heating Oil Red?
• Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Oil Needs

YES. Heating oil will not explode. Furthermore, it won't ignite accidentally, and the fumes are also non-lethal when inhaled. It is a safe substance to use, and you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands. However, just like any other machine, your HVAC system may malfunction. You will see visible signs that something is wrong, such as the smell of fuel and visible smoke. When you see this, take action immediately by shutting your system down as soon as possible.

Is Heating Oil Eco-Friendly?

YES. The primary issue has always been the sulfur content in heating oil. However, decades of research have ensured that the heating oil we use today is cleaner compared to that used in the 1970s. In fact, it is cleaner by at least 95 percent. Emission levels have also been significantly decreased. Moreover, new systems also ensure that no dirt or soot is produced as a by-product. Rest assured that heating oil is clean oil.  

Can I Rely On Home Heating Oil?

YES. Heating oil is available when you need it. Just contact your local heating oil delivery service company when you need a fresh supply of heating oil delivered to your home. Check your oil tank’s gauge. When you are at 30 percent full, it is recommended that you schedule your next delivery soon. For any other heating oil problems, call your oil supplier to assist you.

Is Heating Oil Efficient?

The law of supply and demand means that fuel rates might be higher during the winter compared to other seasons. Therefore, you would want an efficient HVAC system that will consume the least amount of heating oil as well as help you save on heating costs. The efficiency level of oil heating units can be as high as 95 percent. Heating oil also burns 16 percent more efficiently than gas. This way, you receive optimum thermal comfort while requiring less heating oil.

How Long Do Oil Heating Systems Last?

A heating oil system can last for up to 30 years. Its average lifespan can be extended when it receives routine maintenance from a professional HVAC technician. It has a far more superior lifespan than a gas furnace as it only averages at 11 to 14 years. If you are looking for a budget-friendly system, then it is clear that a heating oil system can help you with this better than a gas furnace.

What Does AFUE Mean?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE is the heating unit’s ability to convert fuel to heat. It is usually found on stickers attached to your heating unit along with a number. The number stands for the unit's efficiency. The higher the number, the better the efficiency it has. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Where Does Heating Oil Come From?

Crude oil is refined via distillation to get heating oil. There are over 50 oil-producing nations around the world. The US has domestic and international sources for crude oil, including countries like Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. However, crude oil is refined locally.

 

 

Why Is Heating Oil Red?

Heating oil is not naturally red. It is, in fact, it has a yellow-orange tint after it has been refined. However, it has been mandated that heating oil be dyed red to make it easier to identify and differentiate from diesel fuel that is used for cars. It is also for tax purposes. The dye does not affect the heating oil’s performance.

Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Oil Needs

The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. We also assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective. The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.    

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Don’t Become A Victim Of A Heating Oil Scam

Scams exist across all types of companies, including in the heating oil delivery industry. Anyone can be a victim of a heating oil scam. Oil suppliers who scam consumers use a variety of tricks to increase their profits at the expense of their clients. Being aware of some of the most common heating oil scams and the best ways to prevent them is essential to avoid oil delivery companies that are downright unscrupulous. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Common Scams In The Heating Oil Industry

Table of Contents:

• Common Scams In The Heating Oil Industry
• 1. Mixing Waste Oil With Heating Oil
• 2. Adding Air To Home Heating Oil
• 3. Delivering Heated Fuel Oil
• 4. Using A Diversion Valve To Divert Fuel Back To The Tanker
• 5. Mechanical Meter Tampering
• How To Stay Protected From Oil Delivery Scams
• 1. Research Heating Oil Companies Before Using Them
• 2. Be Wary Of Heating Oil Offers That Sound Too Good To Be True
• 3. Check Out Heating Oil Supplier Reviews And Ask Friends For Recommendations
• 4. Find Out If The Oil Supplier Requires An Oil Delivery Contract
• 5. Be On The Lookout For Hidden Fees
• 6. Carefully Monitor Your Fuel Delivery
• 7. Look For Electronic Meters During The Fuel Delivery
• Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Oil Needs

1. Mixing Waste Oil With Heating Oil

Some oil delivery companies purchase low-cost waste oil from auto repair businesses and then add this to their standard home heating oil. Clients believe that they are getting the full amount of oil that they've purchased, but their furnaces aren't able to perform optimally due to the additive.  

2. Adding Air To Home Heating Oil

Air can be put into the tank along with the oil. This is a scam that inflates the volume of the delivery in the short term, yet makes the meter move much faster than normal. Regulations require delivery services to use air eliminator valves. However, some oil delivery companies that are unethical and unreliable will keep this open with magnets, and without anyone being any the wiser.

3. Delivering Heated Fuel Oil

Materials expand when exposed to heat, and thus, their volume goes up. Some oil delivery companies may heat up their fuels to fill tanks up at a rapid rate and without raising any suspicions. After the liquid cools, the volume will go down, but the delivery service will already be gone. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find A Reputable Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

4. Using A Diversion Valve To Divert Fuel Back To The Tanker

During an oil delivery, meters run to show the flow of oil to the oil tank from the tanker. A diversion valve, however, can be turned on to send some portion of this oil back to the tanker via pipes that are cleverly hidden.

5. Mechanical Meter Tampering

Old, outdated mechanical meters can be tampered with easily. These meters can be spun forward with a simple cordless drill. Others pump oil on tickets before actually delivering oil to scam their clients.

 

How To Stay Protected From Oil Delivery Scams

1. Research Heating Oil Companies Before Using Them

Unethical companies are invariably identified and shut down. These entities, however, can always reappear under new business names. Spend some time learning more about the history of fuel oil services before signing up for an oil delivery. Choose a reputable oil delivery service with a trackable history that spans numerous years to be safe.  

2. Be Wary Of Heating Oil Offers That Sound Too Good To Be True

Cheats often attempt to lure new clients in by promising the lowest heating oil prices, unbeatable rebates, freebies, and other marketing tricks. You may think that these offers are saving you cash. However, you're ultimately getting a lousy deal. These companies cut a lot of corners and still manage to rake good profits in. [maxbutton id="3" text="Click Here To Find A Trusted Oil Supplier" ]

3. Check Out Heating Oil Supplier Reviews And Ask Friends For Recommendations

It's currently essential to read reviews of services and products before using them. Take advantage of the freely available feedback that's published on various reliable platforms. Check for both negative and positive feedback to form a balanced and accurate opinion. You can also ask your neighbors and friends if they've used oil delivery services from specific companies. Be sure to check Google reviews, BBB ratings, and find any complaints as well.  

4. Find Out If The Oil Supplier Requires An Oil Delivery Contract

For continued service, many oil delivery companies require their clients to sign oil delivery contracts. Although contracts can be great for anyone who wants to automate this process, it may not be the best choice for you. Binding yourself to a contract with an unscrupulous and unethical oil supplier can be very frustrating indeed. Many homeowners prefer the flexibility and affordability of on-demand, no-contract deliveries that are made by preferred providers instead. If you opt to use an automatic delivery service, be sure to build a strong rapport with a service provider before making any type of contractual commitment.

5. Be On The Lookout For Hidden Fees

A reliable oil company should be transparent concerning their fees so that there aren't any surprises when payments are due. Any hidden fee should be seen as a red flag. It means that the business isn't readily sharing all of the information that you need to arrive at an informed purchasing decision. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find A Reputable Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ]

6. Carefully Monitor Your Fuel Delivery

Given that you're already aware of the most common scams used by heating oil delivery services, you're well-capable of monitoring this process to identify any suspicious actions. Always ask questions when you have them. You have the right to get good value for what you spend.  

7. Look For Electronic Meters During The Fuel Delivery

Pay attention to the meters that an oil delivery service uses. Given that old, mechanical meters can be easily tampered with, you should shop around for service providers that use modern, sealed, electronic meters that are certified by the proper authorities.

 

Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Heating Oil Needs

Don't be turned off by the potential for oil delivery scams. There are a number of hard-working and honest oil companies within this industry. Use caution when choosing a new fuel oil delivery service by using the strategies mentioned above. Search for an oil provider with an excellent reputation and a long history of service, and you'll be in excellent hands. The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is committed to sharing information with homeowners about fuel oil heat, especially on subjects relating to the economical and efficient use of this resource. We additionally help people identify and resolve problems with energy-efficiency in their homes by pointing them towards effective and affordable solutions for making their living spaces more efficient. We support oil delivery services in the Lehigh Valley that provide a vast range of services, solutions, and products. Click here to locate a quality home heating oil delivery service near you. Many of the oil delivery service companies that we work with also provide consumers with free energy consultations. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.  

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How You Can Check The Level Of Home Heating Oil In Your Tank

When you drive your vehicle, you always need to pay attention to the fuel gauge to ensure you don't run out of gas. If it looks as if your gas tank might be close to empty, you will need to stop at the closest gas station to fill up your tank again. You should pay just as much attention to the oil tank in your home. Remember that you need fuel in your heating system if you want your house to stay warm. If you let the heating oil in your tank to become depleted because you weren't paying attention, you will be stuck in a chilly home with no heat until you can have oil delivered. To avoid this type of situation, you need to know how to read an oil tank gauge or other methods to ensure the tank has enough fluid volume. This way, you will know the right time to call for oil delivery. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

How Can I Tell If I Am Running Out Of Oil To Heat My Home?

Here are some techniques to find out how much oil you have in the fuel tank:

Table of Contents:

• • How Can I Tell If I Am Running Out Of Oil To Heat My Home?
    • 1. Check The Oil Tank Gauge
    • 2. Visually Inspect The Level Of Oil In Your Tank
    • 3. The Dipstick Method Of Determining Oil Tank Levels
    • 4. A Long Wire Can Be Used To Measure Underground Oil Tanks

• Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Arrange For Your Fuel Oil Needs

1. Check The Oil Tank Gauge

There should be a gauge on the oil tank in your home. This can help you instantly assess the level of fuel in the tank. This gauge works in the same manner as the fuel gauge in your car. You can see if your tank is empty, full, or somewhere in the middle of these extremes. If your gauge reads "empty", this does not necessarily mean that you have absolutely no fuel. It is possible that enough fuel remains in the tank for you to keep the furnace running as long as you turn down the thermostat. You should call to have heating oil delivered to your home before the tank becomes completely empty. One good rule is to arrange for a delivery of fuel oil from your oil supplier when the tank is about one-third full. If the gauge is not working properly, move on to Step 2. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find An Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

2. Visually Inspect The Level Of Oil In Your Tank

If the gauge does not appear to be reliable, you should call a professional to inspect it. To find out how much oil you have left in your tank, you will need to inspect your oil tank using the manual visual method. First, find the cap on top of the fuel tank. Turn it by hand to loosen it until you can totally remove it. Place the cap in a safe location that is easily accessible so you will not lose it when you need to put it back on later. Have a flashlight ready and use it to light up the interior of the tank. If you can see the light of the flashlight reflected, it means there is still oil in the tank. If you are able to see solids and sludge, it means you are very close to running out of fuel and you may even be completely out. These residues are combined with rust, dirt, and other substances that can clog your fuel lines if you let your tank get completely empty. You must call for a delivery of fuel oil as quickly as possible.  

3. The Dipstick Method Of Determining Oil Tank Levels

If you discover that there is oil in your fuel tank, you must determine how much oil is present. A good way to accomplish this is to use a dipstick that is four feet in length. You can use a long broomstick if necessary. Just put the stick through the opening of the tank until you can feel it has reached the bottom. Leave it there for a short while to ensure the oil clings to the stick. Pull the stick up and allow the excess oil to drip off it. Use a pencil or pen to mark the top of the oil. If the oil mark is very low, it means you have very little home heating oil left in your tank.

4. A Long Wire Can Be Used To Measure Underground Oil Tanks

A dipstick may not be useful to you if you need to measure the oil in an underground fuel tank. In this case, you can use a six-foot long wire to measure it. Any sort of wire can work as long as it bends easily. Feed the wire through the opening until you can feel it has reached the tank and hit the bottom. Pull the wire back and check to see if it has oil along the length of the wire. There should be a red-colored liquid appearing on the wire. If there is a lot of this liquid, you can relax. If there is no liquid appearing on the wire, you need to arrange a delivery of home heating oil.

 

Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Arrange For Your Fuel Oil Needs

You need to check your fuel levels regularly so that you can have your fuel oil delivered to your home in a timely manner. Make a habit of checking often so you do not have to worry about staying warm in winter. You need to deal with a reputable fuel oil delivery company in the cold winter months so you can stay cozy in your home. Call the Better Home Heat Council to make arrangements with a local supplier. All our fuel oil dealers provide efficient and timely deliveries of heating oil. The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is dedicated to teaching consumers about the benefits of oil heat. We help homeowners find effective solutions to their energy problems. Lehigh Valley oil suppliers provide a wide range of services and products. Click here to find a supplier close to you. Many of our oil dealers offer energy consultations to their clients. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.

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6 Ways To Reduce Your Heating Oil Costs This Winter

When the winter season comes in, and you are greeted with freezing temperatures, the consumption and cost of energy and fuel naturally rise. Fortunately, there are a few ways to cut back on heating oil costs for your home and save energy even as the snow blows in. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Simple Ways To Lower Your Home Heating Oil Consumption This Season

The following are six ways to control costs and reduce heating oil consumption in your home this winter.

Table of Contents:

• Simple Ways To Lower Your Home Heating Oil Consumption This Season
• 1. Connect With The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Trusted Heating Oil Supplier
• 2. Perform An Energy Audit
• 3. Repair All Leaks And Drafts In Your Home
• 4. Optimize Natural Light And Heat
• 5. Set Your Thermostat To A Lower Temperature
• 6. Program Your Home Thermostat
• Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Home Comfort Specialist

1. Connect With The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Trusted Heating Oil Supplier

Contact the Better Home Heat Council for a list of the best heating oil suppliers in the local area. These Lehigh Valley oil suppliers will provide you with financing and delivery options to suit your budget and heating needs. Signing up for a customized plan is a good way to keep your costs as low as possible. For more information, call the Better Home Heat Council.

2. Perform An Energy Audit

HVAC professionals can inspect and identify issues in the structure of your home and heating system. They can provide solutions for any cracks or leaks that affect energy efficiency. You can perform some inspection on your own by examining your windows and doors for any leaks. This is best done before winter. Of course, the best way to be sure of your home energy efficiency is to place a call to your local HVAC technicians. Energy professionals know how to examine every part of your home and offer practical solutions to any problems that are present. They can offer advice on how to save money on recommended repairs or changes. Fortunately, many of the oil suppliers that work with the Better Home Heat Council also offer trusted HVAC services. Contact us today to find out more. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find An Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

3. Repair All Leaks And Drafts In Your Home

When you know where energy losses occur, it is time to get them fixed. Your first objective is to keep your energy costs as low as you can throughout the winter season. One way to start is by closing the dampers in fireplaces and the vents in your kitchen when you are not using them. If you need better insulation, have it done as soon as you are able. Seal any leaks and cover any drafty areas. Heavy window curtains can help cover drafts from your windows. This small change can keep your heat inside and the cold air outside where it belongs.

4. Optimize Natural Light And Heat

When the sun shines during the day, keep your curtains open to let direct sunlight in. This will give you extra light and heat and allow you to use less energy in those areas. The best sunlight comes from the east and southeast. You can take advantage by keeping the curtains open on those sides of your home throughout the morning and afternoon. Depending on your climate zone, you may not even have to use your furnace during the day. When the sun starts to go down, close your curtains to trap heat inside. This simple change can make a difference in fuel consumption and heating costs. [maxbutton id="2" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

5. Set Your Thermostat To A Lower Temperature

You can save on energy just by lowering your indoor temperature by a couple of degrees. Experts say you can save as much as 1 percent off your bill for every degree you shave off. This can make a big difference over the winter season. Of course, you may not wish to do that if you live in an area with harsher winters. When you turn the thermostat down too low, pipes may freeze and cause more problems than you counted on. Frozen pipes make it impossible to get water and there is the risk of a pipe exploding. Pay close attention to the current temperature conditions to know when it is safe to turn your thermostat down.

6. Program Your Home Thermostat

If you have installed a programmable thermostat, you can program it to raise and lower the temperature at various times of the day and night. You may be able to program your thermostat to lower temperatures while there is no one in your home. You can program it so the heat comes on half an hour or so before you come home. This will reduce energy use and save money without compromising your family's comfort. The ability to program your thermostat is helpful for other reasons as well. You will not have to worry about forgetting to lower your thermostat.

 

Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Home Comfort Specialist

The Better Home Heat Council can connect you with local heating oil suppliers for fast delivery at competitive pricing. Our dealer's professional technicians can also offer regular maintenance and repairs for your home heating system to keep your system running smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to learn more. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.  

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How Much Heating Oil Will I Use During Winter?

During the exceedingly frigid months of winter, temperatures can drop to an uncomfortable low. The good news is that you can count on an oil heating system to keep your home warm whenever this happens. You have to ensure that your fuel oil tank is full for sustaining comfortable temperatures all winter long. This can be a challenge given that the use of home heating oil during winter can vary according to the outside temperatures, the size of your home, the age of your furnace, your personal heating preferences, the available insulation, and many other factors. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

How Much Heating Oil Will Your Home Require This Winter?

This article will share a variety of ways to determine how much heating oil you're likely to use in your home this winter. We will also share tips that will help you get ready for the cold weather season. We also offer several strategies for reducing fuel oil consumption to keep your home heating costs better under control.

Table of Contents:

• How Much Heating Oil Will Your Home Require This Winter?
• Determining The Capacity Of Your Fuel Oil Tank
• Estimating Your Needs For Home Heating Oil
• Strategies For Reducing Your Oil Use This Winter
• Layer Up Your Clothing
• Window Treatments
• Invest In A Smart Or Programmable Thermostat
• Tune-Up Your HVAC System
• Add Insulation And Seal Up Air Drafts
• Get In Touch With A Reputable Oil Supplier
• Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Local Oil Dealer

Determining The Capacity Of Your Fuel Oil Tank

Start by deciding exactly how much fuel oil your tank is able to hold. The smallest tanks usually hold about 100 gallons of oil at one time. The typical home has an above-ground tank with a 275-gallon rating. Larger tank ratings are also available. However, these are found in designs that are installed underground. Keep in mind that the stated capacity for a tank is not actually how much fuel that it can hold. Tanks that have a 275-gallon rating will only hold up to 225 gallons oil while the remainder of the space is used to hold debris or air. The receipt for your fuel oil delivery will provide a lot of helpful information to this end. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find An Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Estimating Your Needs For Home Heating Oil

Multiplying the usage period by the consumption rate is one way to calculate your requirements for fuel oil. For instance, a furnace that uses oil will likely burn between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of fuel each hour of use. This is a figure that may be printed on the manufacturer's plate that's affixed to the nozzle or burner. Think of how many hours your furnace is turned on. Keep in mind that the listed number is usually meant for ideal conditions such as when the unit was new and initially installed. Consumption generally increases for heating systems as they age due to increasing inefficiency. Another strategy is to look at your historical rates of consumption. This can be quite helpful if you have lived in your current home for several years. Take a look at past heating bills to see how much you've used in years prior. Take an average of this use and you will have a pretty fair idea of how much fuel you are likely to use in the current year. You can complete additional calculations to determine your daily, weekly, and monthly usage values. Check out the weather forecast as you might need to have more oil in supply if the temperatures are expected to drop lower than normal. If your home is relatively new, then think about asking your neighbors with comparable properties in terms of house and furnace size to get a rough estimate. You also have the option of speaking with a local heating oil supply company and requesting an educated estimated based upon the above-mentioned factors. It is not unusual for households to use between three and six gallons of heating oil fuel each day throughout the coldest months of the winter season.  

Strategies For Reducing Your Oil Use This Winter

Below, we share some useful tips to help you reduce your home heating oil costs this winter.

Layer Up Your Clothing

Consuming lots of oil will create larger bills. To limit your costs, you should be ready to take a few drastic measures. You can start by building up your ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Before you even turn on your furnace, think about adding a few layers of clothing or changing into warmer clothing.

Window Treatments

Open up your curtains or blinds to let the sunlight flow in. When you do, you may not even need to turn your heater on until night. You can also close your curtains during the nighttime hours so that cold air isn't seeping into your home.

Invest In A Smart Or Programmable Thermostat

You should also verify that your home heating system is set to a low temperature when the entire house is unoccupied. With a programmable thermostat, you can easily do this according to your regular schedule. The goal is to limit how much oil you burn by making your furnace work less.

Tune-Up Your HVAC System

Routine maintenance of your HVAC equipment will also keep your heater working efficiently for manageable fuel consumption overall. Professional HVAC systems can clean your unit up, make any needed adjustments to the system, and take other steps to ensure optimum functioning. These services are low in cost, and they are guaranteed to provide great value over time. [maxbutton id="2" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

 

Add Insulation And Seal Up Air Drafts

Finally, take steps to increase the amount of insulation in and around your home. Seal up all of the cracks around your windows and doors to start. Find a way to add extra insulation to your walls and roof. This will keep warm air trapped inside of the home so that your furnace doesn't work so hard.

Get In Touch With A Reputable Oil Supplier

Using a reputable oil supplier will really help you cut your home heating costs. A lot of oil suppliers have different delivery options and payment plans available that can help offset the prices of heating oil. Some full-service oil suppliers, however, will charge you for extra services when you choose automatic oil delivery. Therefore, be sure to read the fine print and see if it really suits your needs. With a discount or COD oil service, you will need to monitor the fuel levels in your tank and then call when a refill is needed. Thus, if you are trying to cut the costs of heating your home, your best bet may be to find a local oil company and see what options they have available.

Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Local Oil Dealer

When oil levels fall to about 30 percent of the oil tank's capacity, you should get in touch with your oil supplier. Even during times of severe weather, this will ensure that you never run out of fuel. Being able to rely on a reputable heating oil delivery service is essential during the cold winter months. This will assure you of a safe, warm, and comfortable home. Contact Better Home Heat Council to connect with a local oil dealer who offers rapid and efficient fuel delivery. To make sure that your furnace is working precisely as it should, our dealer's seasoned technicians can offer regular heating system maintenance and repairs. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.  

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How Much Heating Oil Will I Use During Winter?

During the exceedingly frigid months of winter, temperatures can drop to an uncomfortable low. The good news is that you can count on an oil heating system to keep your home warm whenever this happens. You have to ensure that your fuel oil tank is full for sustaining comfortable temperatures all winter long. This can be a challenge given that the use of home heating oil during winter can vary according to the outside temperatures, the size of your home, the age of your furnace, your personal heating preferences, the available insulation, and many other factors. [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

How Much Heating Oil Will Your Home Require This Winter?

This article will share a variety of ways to determine how much heating oil you're likely to use in your home this winter. We will also share tips that will help you get ready for the cold weather season. We also offer several strategies for reducing fuel oil consumption to keep your home heating costs better under control.

Table of Contents:

• How Much Heating Oil Will Your Home Require This Winter?
• Determining The Capacity Of Your Fuel Oil Tank
• Estimating Your Needs For Home Heating Oil
• Strategies For Reducing Your Oil Use This Winter
• Layer Up Your Clothing
• Window Treatments
• Invest In A Smart Or Programmable Thermostat
• Tune-Up Your HVAC System
• Add Insulation And Seal Up Air Drafts
• Get In Touch With A Reputable Oil Supplier
• Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Local Oil Dealer

Determining The Capacity Of Your Fuel Oil Tank

Start by deciding exactly how much fuel oil your tank is able to hold. The smallest tanks usually hold about 100 gallons of oil at one time. The typical home has an above-ground tank with a 275-gallon rating. Larger tank ratings are also available. However, these are found in designs that are installed underground. Keep in mind that the stated capacity for a tank is not actually how much fuel that it can hold. Tanks that have a 275-gallon rating will only hold up to 225 gallons oil while the remainder of the space is used to hold debris or air. The receipt for your fuel oil delivery will provide a lot of helpful information to this end. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find An Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Estimating Your Needs For Home Heating Oil

Multiplying the usage period by the consumption rate is one way to calculate your requirements for fuel oil. For instance, a furnace that uses oil will likely burn between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of fuel each hour of use. This is a figure that may be printed on the manufacturer's plate that's affixed to the nozzle or burner. Think of how many hours your furnace is turned on. Keep in mind that the listed number is usually meant for ideal conditions such as when the unit was new and initially installed. Consumption generally increases for heating systems as they age due to increasing inefficiency. Another strategy is to look at your historical rates of consumption. This can be quite helpful if you have lived in your current home for several years. Take a look at past heating bills to see how much you've used in years prior. Take an average of this use and you will have a pretty fair idea of how much fuel you are likely to use in the current year. You can complete additional calculations to determine your daily, weekly, and monthly usage values. Check out the weather forecast as you might need to have more oil in supply if the temperatures are expected to drop lower than normal. If your home is relatively new, then think about asking your neighbors with comparable properties in terms of house and furnace size to get a rough estimate. You also have the option of speaking with a local heating oil supply company and requesting an educated estimated based upon the above-mentioned factors. It is not unusual for households to use between three and six gallons of heating oil fuel each day throughout the coldest months of the winter season.  

Strategies For Reducing Your Oil Use This Winter

Below, we share some useful tips to help you reduce your home heating oil costs this winter.

Layer Up Your Clothing

Consuming lots of oil will create larger bills. To limit your costs, you should be ready to take a few drastic measures. You can start by building up your ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Before you even turn on your furnace, think about adding a few layers of clothing or changing into warmer clothing.

Window Treatments

Open up your curtains or blinds to let the sunlight flow in. When you do, you may not even need to turn your heater on until night. You can also close your curtains during the nighttime hours so that cold air isn't seeping into your home.

Invest In A Smart Or Programmable Thermostat

You should also verify that your home heating system is set to a low temperature when the entire house is unoccupied. With a programmable thermostat, you can easily do this according to your regular schedule. The goal is to limit how much oil you burn by making your furnace work less.

Tune-Up Your HVAC System

Routine maintenance of your HVAC equipment will also keep your heater working efficiently for manageable fuel consumption overall. Professional HVAC systems can clean your unit up, make any needed adjustments to the system, and take other steps to ensure optimum functioning. These services are low in cost, and they are guaranteed to provide great value over time. [maxbutton id="2" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

 

Add Insulation And Seal Up Air Drafts

Finally, take steps to increase the amount of insulation in and around your home. Seal up all of the cracks around your windows and doors to start. Find a way to add extra insulation to your walls and roof. This will keep warm air trapped inside of the home so that your furnace doesn't work so hard.

Get In Touch With A Reputable Oil Supplier

Using a reputable oil supplier will really help you cut your home heating costs. A lot of oil suppliers have different delivery options and payment plans available that can help offset the prices of heating oil. Some full-service oil suppliers, however, will charge you for extra services when you choose automatic oil delivery. Therefore, be sure to read the fine print and see if it really suits your needs. With a discount or COD oil service, you will need to monitor the fuel levels in your tank and then call when a refill is needed. Thus, if you are trying to cut the costs of heating your home, your best bet may be to find a local oil company and see what options they have available.

Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Find A Local Oil Dealer

When oil levels fall to about 30 percent of the oil tank's capacity, you should get in touch with your oil supplier. Even during times of severe weather, this will ensure that you never run out of fuel. Being able to rely on a reputable heating oil delivery service is essential during the cold winter months. This will assure you of a safe, warm, and comfortable home. Contact Better Home Heat Council to connect with a local oil dealer who offers rapid and efficient fuel delivery. To make sure that your furnace is working precisely as it should, our dealer's seasoned technicians can offer regular heating system maintenance and repairs. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.  

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Best Ways To Prepare Your Home For An Oil Delivery In The Winter

Winter is not one of the most comfortable times of the year. If you want to make sure that you and your family stay warm in your home, you need to make sure that there is always enough heating oil in the tank. You should monitor the level and call for a top-up when it is running low. By planning ahead, your family will stay warm throughout winter. You must be aware of the possible challenges that could face your heating oil delivery driver. You need to anticipate problems and find solutions. Do whatever you can to ensure that appointments happen without issues.

Best Ways To Prepare Your Home For An Oil Delivery In Winter

Below are a few ways to get your home prepared for an oil delivery: [maxbutton id="3" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

Make Sure Your House Number Is Visible For Your Heating Oil Delivery Driver

Table of Contents:

• Best Ways To Prepare Your Home For An Oil Delivery In Winter
• Make Sure Your House Number Is Visible For Your Heating Oil Delivery Driver
• Make Sure That Access Is Easy For The Oil Supplier
• Get Rid Of Hazardous Obstructions Before Your Fuel Delivery
• Clear The Ice And Snow On The Path
• Contact The BBHC When You Need To Find A Heating Oil Delivery Service

In winter, oil companies are under a lot of pressure. There are many homes that they need to visit every day, and it can be challenging to get to all of them. Visibility might be poor, making it hard for delivery companies to see house numbers. The snow also tends to build up on signs, hiding important information. The delivery company could drive right past your house, without even realizing it.

Make Sure That Access Is Easy For The Oil Supplier

Nowadays, many people have fences around their properties. While it is a great way to protect your home, it can cause problems for oil deliveries. This is especially true when there is nobody at home at the time of your oil delivery. The driver might not be able to get close enough to get to the fill pipe. The same could happen if your pets are roaming around the property. They may become aggressive towards strangers, thus making it dangerous for the driver to get close enough. To make sure you have a hassle-free oil delivery, open the security gates, and put your dogs indoors. [maxbutton id="3" text="Find An Oil Supplier In The Lehigh Valley" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

 

Get Rid Of Hazardous Obstructions Before Your Fuel Delivery

To fill your oil tank, the driver will have to connect a rather long hose from the vehicle to the inlet valve. Since the hose is very heavy, it can be challenging for the driver to carry it where it needs to go. Debris littering the path will only make his job more complicated than it already is. Make sure that you move all rocks, leaves, branches, or anything else that could cause falls, slips, and other accidents out of the way. While you are busy removing obstructions, you may as well trim bushes that are close to the inlet. You want to make sure that the driver has a clear path and can do his job without any fuss.

Clear The Ice And Snow On The Path

Heavy snow makes it very difficult to walk on the ground, especially if you are carrying something heavy like an oil hose. Drivers will always try to do the best they can, even under challenging conditions. However, it would sure help them if you clear the path to your inlet. By doing this, you will reduce the risk of them getting injured, and they will be able to do it quickly. You can use a shovel to get rid of the excess snow. Oil deliveries ensure that you have continuous comfort during winter. Call your oil supplier whenever the need arises. However, be sure to help the drivers do their jobs better by assisting them with the oil delivery process. They have to endure harsh winter conditions for you to have oil at all times, so help them to do just that. Make an effort to clear all obstructions, clear the snow, and move anything else that would possibly block their path. [maxbutton id="2" ] [maxbutton id="5" ]

 

Contact The BBHC When You Need To Find A Heating Oil Delivery Service

The Better Home Heat Council educates consumers about the many benefits of using heating oil in their homes. Home heating oil provides people with an improved economy and efficiency. We work with local oil suppliers who will help you identify problems regarding energy efficiency and find answers. We have the information to help you find affordable solutions for all of your needs. The Better Home Heat Council offers support to oil companies in the Leigh Valley area so you can get a variety of options when it comes to services and products. We can help you find the right oil supplier in your area. Contact the Better Home Heat Council when you want information about the options for HVAC services, fuel oil costs, or home heating oil delivery. Contact us today. [maxbutton id="5" text="Contact Us Today" ] For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact us today.

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