Posted: January 13, 2025

How Long Will My Heating Oil Delivery Last?

Consider these factors when estimating your heating fuel consumption.

It’s the time of the year when heating oil consumption reaches peak levels in Weymouth, Plymouth and across the South Shore. Atlantic-Pratt Energy fuel trucks are on the road, ensuring our customers have the heating oil they need.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home heating accounts for nearly one-third of the average home’s annual energy spending. And running out of fuel in the middle of a cold spell, blizzard or other inclement weather can represent serious comfort and safety issues for your family. How can you plan for how quickly you will use your heating oil delivery?

It can be a challenge to account for every factor impacting your home’s daily heating oil consumption — but the Atlantic-Pratt team can help you with this planning.

What affects your daily heating oil usage?

As a general rule, the most consequential variable in determining your daily heating oil consumption is the weather outside. On a mild 50-degree day, your heating system might use less than a gallon of oil to keep your home warm. However, when the temperature drops to an average of 30 degrees, your usage could climb to two gallons or more per day. If the average temperature falls below 10 degrees, you may need as much as three to four gallons daily.
On average, a 2,500-square-foot home in the Northeast consumes approximately 880 gallons of heating oil each year.

What other factors influence your heating oil usage?

Beyond the weather, several factors inside your home impact how much heating oil you’ll need during the colder months. These include:

• Your home’s size: Larger homes typically require more fuel for heating.
• Insulation quality: Well-insulated homes retain heat more effectively and use less heating oil.
• Heating system efficiency: Newer systems and those in good condition have higher fuel efficiency ratings and consume less oil.
• Household demographics: The ages and comfort needs of occupants can affect thermostat settings. Infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems often require higher temperatures.
• Time spent at home: Homes that are occupied most of the day (like people who work remotely) may require more consistent heating.

The size of your heating oil tank also influences how often you’ll need a delivery. But don’t worry: Atlantic-Pratt is here to simplify the process.

Let Atlantic-Pratt Track Your Heating Oil Usage

Estimating how quickly you’ll use heating oil can be complex, but it’s what we do best at Atlantic-Pratt Energy. Our team can handle the calculations for you at no extra cost.

Most of our customers take advantage of our automatic heating oil delivery service. Using advanced computer systems, we track vital factors like weather conditions, your tank size, and your home’s unique needs to determine when you’ll need your next delivery. This proactive approach ensures your fuel supply is replenished well before you run out—whether it’s during a cold snap or a nor’easter.

At Atlantic-Pratt Energy, we make heating oil delivery effortless and worry-free. Contact us today to join our growing family of satisfied customers!