What You’ll Learn
When should I order more heating oil?
For many homeowners, ¼ full is a good time to schedule a delivery. Ordering before the tank gets too low gives you some breathing room if you use more oil than expected or need to wait for delivery.
In this blog
You know that little gauge sitting on top of your oil tank?
It’s not exactly the most exciting thing in your basement, but it is important.
You don’t think much about it. Then it gets cold, the furnace starts running more often, and suddenly you’re wondering, “How much oil do I actually have left?”
That’s when the gauge becomes your best friend.
And look, you don’t need to become an expert in heating oil to use it. You just need to know what those little markings mean, when it’s time to call for a delivery, and what to do if the gauge doesn’t seem to be telling you the truth.
Because running out of oil is one of those problems that’s much easier to prevent than to deal with.
Locations of Residential Home Oil Tanks
There are two primary locations for home oil tanks.
- Indoor – Indoor tanks are the more popular option. Indoor tanks are often in the basement of a home where they don’t interfere with everyday activities. Indoor tanks are safe but should be installed at least 5ft away from combustion appliances. Indoor tanks are more popular because they are not exposed to the elements and therefore have fewer maintenance risks.
- Outdoor – Outdoor oil tanks are typically installed on the side of the home or in the backyard. Outdoor tanks are popular when there is no basement in the home. Outdoor oil tanks pose more concerns than indoor oil tanks. They are prone to eventual rusting or corrosion from the elements, require a special blend of oil to prevent it from freezing or “gelling” in cold weather, and are not the most pleasant sites.
Indoor tanks are often preferred for their convenience and reduced maintenance worry. If you have an indoor oil tank, it is also easier to check your gauge!
Understanding your tank’s oil gauge
The exact location of your oil gauge may vary based on your tank. However, the oil gauge is typically located on top of your tank.
Many gauges are a plastic tube with a plastic “float” inside.
This plastic float rises and falls based on the amount of oil in your tank.
The float usually has several markings on the outside indicating the oil levels.
- F – Full
- ¾
- ⅓
- ¼
The top of the float indicates how much fuel is left in your tank.
How much oil your tank holds
Residential heating oil tanks hold approximately 275 gallons of oil.
The typical oil furnace burns between 1 and 1.7 gallons of fuel per hour. Many homes use between 4 and 10 gallons of fuel per day. During the winter, this equates to roughly 1 fill-up per month. More oil deliveries are often needed if the month is very cold!
Schedule an oil delivery when your tank reads ¼ full
This is the ideal time to schedule an oil delivery. The efficiency of your furnace and how often you run it will determine how long your oil will last.
For this reason, it’s best to call ahead or schedule your delivery when you still have enough oil in your tank to last for at least several days.
Running out of oil can cause problems – and increase costs to you!
Knowing How to Read Your Gauge is Key to Keeping Your Furnace Running
Need Help With Your Oil Delivery?
Keeping track of your oil level doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you’re on will-call delivery, checking your gauge regularly and scheduling your delivery around ¼ tank can help you stay ahead of your fuel needs.
If you’d rather not keep track of it yourself, automatic delivery is another option. Your provider monitors your usage and schedules deliveries based on your home’s heating needs.
And if your gauge doesn’t seem to be reading correctly, let us know.
At Sperr’s, we’re happy to help you figure out what’s going on and make sure you have the oil you need to keep your home warm.
FAQs
How do I read my oil tank gauge?
Most residential oil tank gauges have markings such as F, ¾, ½, and ¼. A float inside the gauge rises and falls with the oil level. The top of the float shows the approximate amount of oil remaining in the tank.
When should I order heating oil?
For many homeowners, ¼ full is a good time to schedule a delivery. This gives you some extra time if your oil usage increases due to colder weather or if there is a delay in your delivery.
How long will a quarter tank of heating oil last?
There’s no universal answer. How quickly you use oil depends on factors such as the size and efficiency of your home and furnace, outdoor temperature, and how frequently your heating system runs. During very cold weather, your oil level can drop considerably faster.
How often should I check my oil tank gauge?
During the heating season, it’s a good idea to check your gauge regularly, particularly when temperatures drop or you’re using your furnace more frequently. If you’re on automatic delivery, you generally won’t need to monitor the gauge as closely because your provider manages the delivery schedule.
What if my oil tank gauge suddenly drops?
A faster-than-expected drop can happen during periods of heavy heating use, particularly during very cold weather. But if the change seems unusual or you haven’t been using significantly more oil, it’s worth contacting your oil provider to make sure the tank and gauge are functioning properly.