There’s no simple formula for figuring out exactly how much heating oil you use each day. You can get a very rough idea by dividing the amount of oil you’ve used by the number of days your heat has been running—but that number is only a starting point. Your actual fuel use can change a lot depending on the weather, the age and efficiency of your heating system, and even how well your home is insulated. All those factors play a big role in how much oil your home really needs to stay warm and comfortable.
High-efficiency heating equipment in a well-sealed and well-insulated home will use less fuel than an aging boiler or furnace in a drafty house, no matter how cold it gets. But every home is different. Super-efficient equipment in an old Victorian home with poor insulation won’t perform the same. Improving efficiency is a proven way to keep your daily fuel use on the low side of that range.
As a general rule of thumb, a heating system that’s running properly should use between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of oil per hour during cold weather, which comes out to about 20 gallons per day if your thermostat is set at a constant temperature. (If you’re using a smart thermostat, you will use less fuel, because it will adjust to a lower temperatures when you are out or asleep, and ahigher when you are home and awake.)
Another way to estimate your daily heating oil use is to look at past consumption. If you have a 275-gallon heating oil tank, the typical size needed to heat a 2,000 square-foot home in our area, a full tank should give you enough heating fuel to last about 4 to 6 weeks. Keep in mind that a 275-gallon tank is usually considered full at about 230 gallons, to allow for expansion and prevent spillage during deliveries. You can divide gallons by days to estimate your approximate daily heating oil use.
When you say “save energy” some people think the only option is turning down the thermostat and layering on the sweaters instead of feeling comfortable in their home. Of course, that’s one way to do it, but a smarter way to stay warm all season while keeping heating costs under control is by making it easier for your furnace or boiler to do its job. The harder it has to work to warm your home, the more fuel it will burn. (That’s why good insulation improves efficiency.)
Use your smart thermostat or programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Setting it for a lower temperature night, when you’re under the covers, and when you’re out all day, can have a significant impact of heating costs.
A weekend of DIY projects, like sealing up drafts with caulking, weatherstripping and expanding foam, can help save you 20% or more on heating costs.
Don’t skip seasonal maintenance for your heating equipment. A tune-up keeps your heating equipment running smoothly, so it will use less fuel to keep your home warm. Our service technicians check for and fix problems that can decrease performance and efficiency, or that could lead to breakdowns, no-heat emergencies, and expensive repairs.
If your heating equipment is old or breaks down frequently, investing in a new, high-efficiency heating system can drastically cut energy costs, while improving your comfort for years—and improving the value of your home. Casey’s experts can help you choose the best equipment for your needs and your budget.
We also offer plenty of options to help you manage costs no matter what happens with prices or how cold it gets.
One option is our Budget Pay plan that spreads your home heating oil costs over 11 months, so you can avoid bills that spike in the winter.
We also offer a Pre-buy Plan that lets you lock in your heating oil price by buying your fuel for the year upfront. You can take advantage of lower off-season pricing, and eliminate the worry about the price of fuel going up.
No matter how much heating oil you may need, having a company that puts customers first means you’ll get great service, true reliability, and products and services designed to make your life easier. You’ll also get fair and transparent pricing. Find out why so many homeowners and businesses across northern Vermont trust Jack Corse.
Contact us for more information or to schedule a delivery today.