How Much Heating Oil Will I Need This Winter?

We had a relatively mild start to winter this year here in the Hudson Valley, but temperatures in New York State are dropping thanks to our old friend the polar vortex.

Of course, colder weather means your heating equipment will be getting more of a workout in the coming months, which will have a big impact on the amount of heating oil you’re going to use. For example, if the average nightly temperature in your area is 40°F, your 2,500 square foot home might use four gallons of oil per day; if the temperature drops to 20 degrees, that number could easily double. 

Of course, temperature isn’t the only factor that will influence how much heating oil you need to keep your Hudson Valley home comfortable for your family. Other significant factors include:

• Home size – The amount of heating oil that your household uses will greatly depend on the size and layout of your house. If you live in a two-bedroom, one-story house, you will use about half the amount of heating oil as the four-bedroom, two story house next door. 
• Home construction – The design and building materials of your home also play a role in how much oil you will use. Thick, concrete walls will help retain heat better than wood frame and plasterboard, for example, lessening the burden on your heating system and reducing the amount of oil you’ll use. 
• Drafts – Drafts and inadequate insulation will add to the heating load of your space, which will increase the amount of fuel you need to keep warm.
• Equipment efficiency – The condition and age of your heating equipment will influence how efficiently it uses its fuel, which will impact how much oil you use. 
• Temperature preferences – Turning your thermostat down when you’re sleeping could have a big impact on your bills, but not everyone likes temperatures that low. On average, you’ll add about three to four percent to your bill for every degree you add in thermostat temperature. 

Using Our Online Heating Oil Calculator

Regardless of how you score on the oil use scorecard above, you’ll eventually need to order heating oil this winter. To help you decide how much to order, we’ve created an easy-to-use online heating oil calculator. Just pick your tank size, select your fuel level, and order away!

For quality heating oil at the best prices in our Hudson Valley service area, trust the pros at Economy Oil. Contact us today for reliable heating oil deliveries in Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Ulster counties!