Running Out of Heating Oil

What to Expect and How to Prevent It

Running out of heating oil can be a major inconvenience—and during a cold Hudson Valley winter, it can quickly become more than that. A fuel run-out can leave your home without heat or hot water, disrupt your household, and increase the risk of cold-weather problems.

Understanding what happens when your tank runs dry and taking steps to prevent it can help protect your comfort, your home, and your heating system.

What Happens When You Run Out of Heating Oil?

There are several potential problems that can come with a heating oil run-out:

• You could lose heat and hot water: The most immediate result of running out of heating oil is that your heating system can no longer produce heat. Depending on how your home is set up, you may also lose your hot water supply. During cold weather, a prolonged lack of heat can make your home uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
• Your pipes could freeze: If your home’s temperature falls too low during freezing weather, water pipes can freeze and potentially burst. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage and costly repairs. The longer your home remains without heat, the greater the risk can become.
• Air may enter the fuel lines: When a heating oil tank runs empty, air can enter the fuel line. After your tank is refilled, the heating system may not restart normally until the air is removed. This process, often called bleeding the fuel line, may require professional service.
• A run-out can be inconvenient and expensive: Running out of fuel may mean arranging an emergency heating oil delivery, which can sometimes involve additional fees. You may also need a service call to restart your heating equipment, adding another step and potential expense.

What Should You Do If You Run Out of Heating Oil?

If you run out of heating oil, contact your heating oil provider to arrange a delivery as soon as possible.

Avoid repeatedly trying to restart your heating system if it does not come back on after fuel is delivered. Once the tank has been refilled, follow the instructions provided by your heating professional or fuel provider.

If air has entered the fuel line or the system will not restart properly, a qualified technician can inspect the equipment, bleed the line if necessary, and safely return the system to operation.

How to Prevent a Heating Oil Run-Out

If you are a Will-Call customer, check your tank gauge regularly and order fuel before your supply gets too low.

During the coldest part of the year, heating oil consumption can increase quickly, so it is best not to wait until your tank is nearly empty before scheduling a delivery.

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of a run-out is to enroll in Automatic Delivery. Rather than monitoring your gauge and remembering to place each order yourself, your fuel provider estimates when you are likely to need heating oil and schedules deliveries accordingly.

Dependable Heating Oil Services from Valley Oil

Valley Oil has provided discount heating oil and dependable delivery to Hudson Valley homes and businesses since 1996.

We are committed to providing quality heating oil at competitive prices, along with reliable service designed to make managing your home’s fuel supply easier.

Our Automatic Delivery service can help reduce the risk of an unexpected heating oil run-out. We use factors such as your previous fuel usage and local weather conditions to estimate when your home may need another delivery, then schedule service before your tank gets too low.

Automatic Delivery is available at no extra charge for eligible customers.

Valley Oil also offers convenient budget plans and heating oil price protection options to help customers better manage their energy expenses.

With dependable heating oil delivery and programs designed for convenience and value, Valley Oil is here to help Hudson Valley homeowners stay warm throughout the heating season.

Contact Valley Oil today to learn more about our heating oil delivery services or to sign up for Automatic Delivery and reduce the risk of a winter run-out.