How To Read A Heating Oil Tank Gauge

Winter is upon us here in the Hudson Valley – which means it’s time once again to start thinking about managing your heating oil deliveries.

Tank Reading Guide

To know if and when it’s time for a top-off, you will have to know how to read your heating oil tank gauge. Here are the basics:

• On top of the tank is a clear glass or plastic cube with markings on the outside that resemble a gas gauge for your car (F, ¾, ½, ¼., etc.). The numbers tell you how full the tank is, typically by using a red line or float. If the float is at the bottom of the gauge or not visible, your tank is empty or nearly empty.
• Most small- to medium-sized oil-heated houses have a 275-gallon tank which, when full, holds approximately 225 gallons of fuel (some allowance is made for air or debris at the bottom of your tank). That means if your gauge is at ½, you have about 110 gallons left, if it’s at ¼ you have about 55 gallons left, and so on. Other common larger tank sizes include 340 and 420 gallons.
• If outdoor temperatures average about 32° over a 24-hour period, a 2,500 square foot house will burn anywhere from five to eight gallons of heating oil per day in our service area. So, for example, if temperatures are right around the freezing mark and you have a quarter of a tank of oil left in your 275-gallon tank (which, remember, holds 225 gallons), you’ll have enough oil to last about a week (this is why we urge you to call for your heating oil delivery before your tank reaches about one-quarter full, especially when the weather is cold or temperatures are dropping).

Checking Your Gauge Function

Remember, the colder it is outside, or the larger your home is, the faster your heating system will burn heating oil!

• To make sure the gauge is actually working, carefully remove the outer case and gently press the float down. If it bobs back up to the original position, the gauge is working. If the gauge is not working, contact us –we’ll check it out.

Have any other questions about your heating oil tank or heating oil deliveries? Let us know – we’re happy to help. And remember: for reliable AND economical heating oil deliveries anywhere in our Hudson Valley Service area, no one beats the pros at Economy Oil!

Economy Oil – Serving Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Ulster counties since 1984!