Home heating oil usage normally picks up considerably in Massachusetts in early December as temperatures across the region drop. Running out of heating oil during the middle of a cold spell can make your home uncomfortable and even dangerous so it’s important to be able to plan for how quickly you use a heating oil delivery. Understanding how heating oil is used will help you plan ahead so you don’t run out during the extreme cold.
How Temperature Affects Heating Oil Usage
Outdoor temperature is the most important variable when determining how much heating oil your furnace or boiler would use on a daily basis. A heating system can use less than one gallon of oil to keep your home warm on a mild 50 degree day but 3-4 gallons/day if the temperature drops below 10 degrees. The highly variable temperatures during the winter season in the Boston area, with a general warming trend but intense cold snaps, can make it tough to let tanks get too low before refilling.
Heating System Efficiency
Older heating systems are often less efficient and will require more heating oil to warm your home. They are also more likely to require repairs or replacement parts. Getting a new heating system installed will ensure you have a high-efficiency furnace or boiler that will help you save on energy costs. A new heating system will also be quieter than a clunky old model and add value to your home.
Other Factors to Consider
- Size of home: Larger homes will require more fuel to stay warm.
- Quality of insulation: Well insulated homes will retain heat more effectively and require less heating oil.
- Household needs: The comfort needs of household members can affect what thermostat settings are needed and require more or less heating oil.
Get Automatic Home Heating Oil Delivery from Supreme Energy
At Supreme Energy, we’re proud to deliver heating oil to our valued customers in Greater Boston, Southeastern, and South Shore, MA. Our experienced staff and modern fleet ensures timely propane and heating oil deliveries. Many customers choose our regularly scheduled fuel delivery option so they don’t need to check their oil tank and call. Contact us today to learn more about home heating delivery.


