Believe it or not, more than 5.5 million homes rely on home heating oil to stay warm during the winter. While furnaces are some of the most efficient ways to heat your home, finding a reliable heating oil provider can be challenging at best.
If you’re like most people, you’re likely not sure where to start.
Should you base your decision on price alone? Are there other things you need to worry about to make sure you’re working with the best supplier possible? How can you tell if you’re getting the best quality service?
While you’ll still need to do your due diligence and research providers in your area, there are a few things you need to look for when getting quotes. Here are some of the most important things to consider when speaking with different companies.
1. The Services They Offer
When you’re looking for a home heating oil provider, you need to pay attention to the types of services each company offers. Don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed services list from each company you speak with.
Compare the services each company offers before narrowing the list down. Remember, if they don’t offer the exact services you want or need, you’ll need to keep shopping around.
Keep in mind that companies that offer more services are typically going to be a better fit. For example, a heating oil provider that can also work on your home’s HVAC system will be better equipped to help you stay comfortable all year long.
Even better, you won’t have to look for a separate contractor to help you handle those unexpected repairs that pop up.
2. The Available Delivery Options
Different homeowners have different heating oil needs. Great companies recognize this and tailor their delivery options to those needs while subpar companies tend to only offer limited delivery options.
Whenever possible, look for companies that offer both automatic and on-demand heating oil delivery.
Automatic delivery takes the worry and guesswork out of keeping your home properly fueled up. The company sets a schedule based on your average use and makes sure your tank stays full throughout the winter months.
Automatic delivery is ideal for homeowners who use their furnaces frequently and go through heating oil quickly.
On-demand delivery allows you to schedule appointments as needed without getting locked into a delivery schedule. It’s ideal for homeowners who don’t use tons of oil frequently and can go for several months between deliveries.
The more flexible their delivery options are, the easier it will be to find a schedule that works for your needs.
3. The Quality of Their Customer Service
You’re relying on your heating oil provider to keep your home warm during the winter months. If their customer service skills aren’t up to par, you won’t feel confident in using their services.
Think about how their team treats you when you call to inquire about their services.
They should be responsive and take the time to find out what your needs are before making a recommendation.
If you have questions, they should be willing to answer them as thoroughly as possible before you make a decision. If the company doesn’t listen to your concerns when you’re getting quotes, you can bet they won’t be responsive when you’re a customer.
Look for a provider that puts you first and takes the time to explain things in detail so you can make the best decision for your needs.
4. Their Home Heating Oil Prices
Unfortunately, home heating oil isn’t free, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be affordable. Take your time to get quotes from several companies and compare the prices they give you in detail.
Write down the numbers they tell you and don’t hesitate to ask about any extra fees they may charge.
Some companies charge extra for deliveries and the delivery charge can vary based on your location. Others waive the fee if you sign up for scheduled deliveries and pay the cost of heating oil each month.
Just make sure you understand how each company charges and what you’ll have to pay when making your decision.
Remember, the cheapest company isn’t always the best one. Instead of making your decision on price alone, look at the company as a whole.
You should feel confident in their ability to help you heat your home at all times.
5. The Company’s Reputation
Established companies often have a long history of great customer reviews. Use this to your advantage.
Before you commit to working with a provider, read up on the company’s reputation by looking at their online reviews. See what their previous customers have to say about the service.
If most of the reviews are positive and customers seem happy with the provider, you’ll likely have the same experience. However, if the bulk of the reviews are negative or express similar concerns and issues, you may want to keep looking.
6. How They Deal With Emergencies
Accidents happen and when you run out of heating oil in the middle of a winter storm, you need to know how you’ll get the fuel you need to stay warm. Ask each provider about their emergency service before you sign a contract.
Ideally, your heating oil provider should be able to reach you that same day. However, some companies get booked weeks out and aren’t willing to deal with urgent appointments.
Find out ahead of time so you can choose a provider that will help you when you need it.
7. Your Comfort Level
Choosing a heating oil provider isn’t as simple as choosing the lowest-priced service. You need to choose a company that you’re going to be comfortable working with for years to come.
After researching your options and finding out about the prices each company charges, go with your gut. Choose the company that you’re most comfortable with and who treated you with respect when you asked for information.
Finding the Best Provider Is Simple
As a homeowner, finding the best home heating oil provider can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these factors when looking at your options and choose the company that best fits your needs and your budget.
If you’re looking for a reliable heating oil provider to help you keep your furnace running when the temps drop, don’t wait. Contact us today to discuss your home’s heating needs.
