How Much Heating Oil Should I Expect To Use This Winter?

One question we get from customers frequently is “how much heating oil will I use this winter?” That’s not an easy question to answer, because there are so many variables to take into account. Here are just some of the factors that influence how much fuel you’ll need:

• The weather
• How airtight your home is
• The condition of your heating equipment
• The condition of your ductwork (if you have a furnace rather than a boiler)
• How warm you like your home
• How efficient your furnace or boiler is

However, if you would like to get a rough estimate of how much heating oil you’re likely to use during the course of a heating season here in the Hudson Valley, here’s a rule of thumb: for a 2,500 to 3,000 square-foot home, you’ll probably burn somewhere between five and eight gallons of heating oil per day. Since a common 275-gallon tank typically holds about 240 gallons of fuel (the rest is needed for air), a full tank should last you about five to six weeks.

Just remember: that figure is an estimate! Every home is different and uses different amounts of heating oil every day during the cold months.

4 Ways To Avoid Oil Delivery Headaches

1. Watch your gauge – Although estimating can help you plan how much fuel you’re going to need, it’s important to keep an eye on your oil gauge throughout the winter – you may be using fuel more quickly than you think.
2. Use automatic delivery – Don’t want to waste time watching your oil gauge? We’ll manage your fuel deliveries for you – for FREE – with automatic heating oil delivery. Contact us today to make the switch.
3. Be proactive – If you choose will call service, don’t wait until the last minute to buy fuel, because we may not be able to get it to you quickly enough to avoid a no-heat emergency! Please place your order when your tank is no less than one-quarter full.
4. Use our calculator – Not sure how much fuel to order? Use our handy heating oil calculator!

Stay warm and safe this winter with reliable home heating oil deliveries in Dutchess and Ulster Counties from the pros at Valley Oil. Contact us today to become a Valley Oil customer, or to place an order for fuel on your existing account!