There's no getting around the fact that you need to keep your tank stocked up with fuel if your home uses an oil-burning boiler or furnace. When it comes to dealing with this process, your two options are typically ala carte delivery or a subscription-based service. While scheduling your oil deliveries yourself might seem like a way to save a few bucks, it's often a mistake.
If you're trying to decide which method is best for you, consider these three reasons that signing up for a subscription-based delivery service is typically the best choice for the average homeowner.
1. Less Time Watching Oil Gauges
Do you spend much time thinking about your furnace or oil tank? If you're like most people, you probably don't. Unfortunately, scheduling your own fuel deliveries means you'll need to put more effort into regularly checking your tank than you might prefer. At a minimum, you'll need to check your oil tank's gauge (and know how to read it) throughout the winter months.
An automatic delivery service will save you from worrying about this extra maintenance step. Instead, your oil delivery company will track your usage and ensure your tank remains topped up all winter long. If your tank runs unexpectedly low, most services will also allow you to call in for a quick emergency delivery.
2. More Predictability
Heating costs tend to be as unpredictable as the weather. An unusually warm winter might mean less money spent on heating your home and less overall oil usage, while a cold spell can burn through your oil faster than you might expect. These fluctuations can make it hard to track your heating oil usage, even if you pay attention to that little gauge on top of your tank.
Most automatic delivery services use proprietary systems to track local conditions and adjust based on the weather. As a result, they can predict your oil usage even as conditions in your area change. These systems ensure that you get predictable oil delivery and don't need to worry about your tank running dry if your usage suddenly increases.
3. Advanced Monitoring
Some oil companies also offer advanced monitoring systems as part of their automatic delivery packages. These systems may include tools such as WiFi-enabled smart gauges or other oil-monitoring products. If your delivery company offers these features, you can use them to better track your usage and receive an even more customized delivery service.
Ultimately, scheduling your deliveries requires time and effort, and it's often still less precise and efficient than relying on an automatic delivery service. If your home uses heating oil, signing up for an automatic delivery service may be one of the best upgrades available.
Contact an oil delivery service near you for more information.
