If you heat your house with an oil furnace, you must keep the tank filled to power your HVAC system. The oil gauge will tell you when to order more fuel. This overview covers what new homeowners need to know.

How to Read an Oil Tank Gauge

The tank gauge is a clear plastic tube with numbers on the sides, usually located above the storage tank. The numbers resemble those on car fuel gauges, with “F” standing for full. There might be a red or yellow marker or flotation device inside the tube to indicate the oil level. If you can’t see this marker, the tank is almost or completely empty.

It’s important to remember that the tank’s capacity doesn’t refer to how much oil it actually holds. For example, a 300-gallon tank might only hold 250 gallons of fuel, requiring the extra space for air and sediment that collects at the bottom of the unit.

When to Have the Tank Refilled

On average, a home with 2,500 square feet will use approximately five to eight gallons of oil per day when the temperature outside is close to freezing. In this case, if your 300-gallon tank (holding 250 gallons) is one-quarter full, you have around eight days of fuel left. Have the tank refilled at least a week before it’s empty to avoid disruptions to your heating.

While you can purchase oil as needed, an effective way to avoid problems is to subscribe to automatic shipments. This way, the company will estimate when you need another delivery, ensuring you never run out of oil.

Trust your oil furnace to Andersen Oil Company in New London County, CT. They base their heating oil delivery services on temperatures, so you always get the right amount for your needs. They’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and take pride in providing stellar customer service. Call (860) 464-7628 to create a delivery schedule, or learn more about their work on their website.