What To Know When Buying Heating Oil For Your Furnace
Heating oil is still one of the most popular ways to fuel a furnace. The homes in our area of Pennsylvania vary in age, and from home to home you could see oil heating, then gas, then electric, and so on. We know that buying heating oil may not be a familiar task for all, but it’s something that you should know a bit about if your furnace runs on oil.
I’ve been working with heating oil for over 20 years. Our company was started in 1953, and began as an oil delivery company. Today, we work on all sorts of HVAC systems like heat pumps, air conditioners, boilers, and all different types of furnaces. Still, we specialize in heating oil delivery, and know the ins and outs of oil furnaces.
If you live in a home that uses heating oil and are in need of delivery, furnace service, or a repair, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will be able to help you out with any oil or heating questions you may have!
Buying Heating Oil
Most people probably just think, buying the cheapest oil is the best way to save money when heating your home. In some cases that’s true, but it’s not always that simple.
For example, some heating oil delivery services won’t fill up your tank unless they also service the furnace and ensure your system is working properly. Other companies will sell you the cheapest oil possible, but won’t be able to help you out if there’s a problem with your furnace. You may think you are getting a good deal with cheap oil, but when a problem arises, it could become very costly to fix.
At John Cipollone Inc., we like to service your furnace, deliver your oil, and ensure the home is comfortable for you all year long.
Why Furnace Service Matters
If you go the cheaper route and have oil delivered, but don’t have your furnace taken care of regularly, it could lead to more expensive problems down the road. What you ALSO may not realize is that the lack of service is causing you to burn more oil, therefore eating away at your “savings” from purchasing cheap oil.
When you have your furnace serviced, it’s going to:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Lower the amount of oil you use to stay warm
- Reduce the number of breakdowns and repairs needed
- Lengthen the lifespan of your system
- Ensure your system is running safely
- Improve your indoor air quality
- Maintain your furnace’s warranty
Furnace service is more than simply making sure the furnace works properly. It’s making sure the system is working efficiently, safely, and saving you money in the long run.
Heating Oil Delivery
There are primarily 2 different ways of having your heating oil delivered. The first and most common is automated. You have a sensor in your tank that lets your oil company know it’s time for a fill up. The second option is to manually check the levels of oil in your tank, and order oil when it’s needed.
Savings Analysis
Just as an example, suppose you have 2 different oil delivery options. One is going to cost you $3000 but come with service, and the second is going to cost $2400, but no service is included.
You just saved $600… for now.
Over the lifespan of your heating system, it could be losing efficiency. That means you burn more oil to do the same job.
In this case, option 1 cost $600 more, but it also means the furnace is burning less oil than option 2. Over the years, this difference could become significant and lead to almost an even cost after the winter and months of use.
Ok, outside of the efficiency, let’s think about a repair. If there’s an issue with the heating system, the average service/repair call is between $600-$800. Well there go ALL the savings from the cheaper oil.
Could there be a breakdown even if the system is serviced? Of course, and we aren’t saying service prevents every repair from being needed, but it certainly does catch a lot of issues before they become costly repairs.
Add to the fact that the well maintained system will last years longer, and keep the air in the home cleaner, and it certainly doesn’t seem to make as much sense opting for the cheaper oil.
Taking Care Of Your Oil Furnace On The Main Line
Making sure your system is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely is important. Of course, you want to save as much money as possible, which is why we try and make sure we lock in cost-effective oil prices for our customers whenever possible, and we make sure your system isn’t costing you more than it should.
If you have questions about heating oil, please reach out to us here at John Cipollone Inc. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. No matter whether you have an oil furnace, heat pump, gas furnace, etc, we can make sure your home is warm and comfortable all year long. Our technicians have been trained to work with any brand and model of HVAC system.
Give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online, and we’ll make sure your home is comfortable all year round!