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Heating oil is efficient, inexpensive, convenient to store, and easy to deliver. However, you must know how to read your oil tank gauge to understand how quickly you're using fuel and how soon you need to order more. Here’s what to know.

How to Read Your Heating Oil Tank Gauge

The tank's capacity is listed on the maker's nameplate on the side of the tank. The most common domestic oil tank size is 275 gallons, although it typically only holds about 250 gallons.

The rest of the space accounts for air due to the fact that oil expands in the tank. Therefore, a full tank contains about 50 gallons less than the listed capacity. 

Atop the tank is a clear, plastic gauge with markers indicating 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full. A red float pointer shows how full the tank is.

heating oilA 2,500 square foot home uses between 5 and 8 gallons of heating oil per day when temperatures are near freezing, so a bit of math is necessary to determine how long the oil will last. For a home of that size, a half-full tank (about 125 gallons) should last 14 to 30 days, depending on the efficiency of your furnace and where you set your thermostat.

Adjust your calculations if your home is larger or smaller than this or if outside temperatures are warmer or colder than 32 degrees F.

What to Do When You Need More Oil

Never wait until the last minute to schedule heating oil delivery. Do so at least a week in advance, since oil delivery companies are busiest during the winter.

You don't want to face a freezing house because you're entirely out of fuel. Your best bet is to schedule delivery once the tank reaches 30%, or even sooner, especially during cold weather. 

 

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable home heating oil provider, contact Norwich Discount Oil. They serve New London County and southern Windham County, CT, and have been in business for more than 30 years. They offer convenient oil delivery with flexible scheduling options. Learn more about them on their website, or call (860) 886-5508 to discuss your needs.

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