How Long Will a Tank of Oil Last in New England?

Parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut have seen the first snow of the season, and we know there’s more where that came from! If you’ve just ordered oil for the season and are wondering how long your oil tank will last, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a common question that has a few different answers. Read on to learn what factors contribute to your fuel consumption and ways to conserve your oil supply.

Factors That Affect Your Fuel Oil Consumption

How long a full oil tank will last depends on your unique situation. The size of your tank, the size of your home, and the number of members in your household are just a few of the things that determine your specific fuel consumption. Here are some other contributing factors.

1. Condition of Your Boiler or Furnace

How old is your oil heating system? Do you have it serviced by an HVAC professional once a year? Boilers and furnaces that are older and haven’t been regularly maintained are less efficient, which means they use more oil to heat your home. If your boiler or furnace is 15 years or older, you may want to consider an upgrade. If you haven’t had a tune-up in a while, book a service visit to maximize your fuel usage this winter.

2. Outdoor Temperature

Of course, this is a major factor in how much heating oil you will use. Extreme winter weather conditions, like heavy snowfall, high winds, and below-zero temperatures will increase your rate of heating oil consumption. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your fuel tank gauge throughout the winter and order in advance so that a surprise winter storm doesn’t catch you off guard.

3. Demands of Daily Use

Do you use your heating oil supply for central heating only? Or do you use your fuel oil for both heat and hot water? If you use oil for both heat and hot water, be prepared for your fuel consumption rate to be higher than a home that only uses oil for heat. Also, pay attention to how often you turn up the heat. If your family is spending more time at home, working or learning remotely, you can expect to use your oil faster when compared to previous winters. A programmable thermostat is a great tool to help keep your energy use in check.

Related Blog: 7 Things to Do before Turning on the Heat

4. Home Size & Efficiency

The size of your home and its insulation are major contributors to your fuel consumption. Larger homes will require more fuel to heat the space. Good insulation will help your home retain heat. Windows and doors are common culprits for heat loss, so check these areas for drafts and seal any up with weather stripping or caulking.

Keeping an Eye on Your MA or CT Oil Tank

If you order your heating oil on a will-call basis, the most important thing you can do is keep an eye on your fuel tank. Read the tank gauge regularly so that you know how much fuel you have left. PayLessforOil is proud to offer the best heating oil prices in the area. Visit our website to check daily oil prices and to order your heating oil online in just minutes. If you’d like more information, click here to find out how much fuel you should order or visit our FAQs page for more helpful heating oil tips.