Is price per gallon the best factor?

Typical residential home heating oil tanks in New England hold 275 gallons of oil. Most tanks have a small glass gauge on top showing quarter-tank increments. The last quarter of a tank is usually less than accurate due to sludge, sediment or water in tank. In the coldest months it is advisable to order oil any time gauge shows 1/4 or less.

New England winters can be tough, and home heating fuel costs can make things even tougher.

If you're like many people in the North Eastern U.S.A, you heat your home with oil, and recent surges in petroleum prices have caused your heating bill to double (or more) in the past few years.

Due to seasonal fluctuations in pricing, many fuel oil companies offer programs to help spread the cost over the entire year. Others offer a low per-gallon "C.O.D." price. Before discussing "cost", knowing the oil company's lingo will help. Below are some of the terms used and ...[read more]