Waiting for fuel oil

[debodun]

I realized I haven't had a delivery since September. I checked the tank gauge and I'm riding on 1/4 full (250 gallon tank). I went to my supplier's web site's customer portal. The order went in for a delivery to me on December 15th! Try to get somebody on a holiday. Phone automated message the office is closed until Monday! Probably all the truck drivers are on a holiday break, too.

 

[CallMeKate]

If you've only used 3/4 tank since September, that 1/4 tank you have left will be fine until Monday (unless your gauge isn't registering properly.)

 

[debodun]

But it's much colder now, so likely using at a faster rate.

 

[Aunt Bea]

But it's much colder now, so likely using at a faster rate.

I assume that your fuel company has some sort of computer model that estimates usage based on weather conditions to help keep customers manage their supply and prevent the need for emergency deliveries.

It seems that you have had similar concerns in the past, would it be possible to have your fuel delivery company increase the frequency of your deliveries with smaller quantities. It may involve some sort of additional service charge but the peace of mind may be worth it to you.

 

[debodun]

I am on automatic delivery, so they must have a way to estimate need.

 

[HoneyNut]

the office is closed until Monday!

So you have to wait 6 days just to talk to someone? That would make me so anxious. Google thinks you have enough for 4 to 8 days. Does the company have an emergency type number? Maybe you should move your thermostat down a bit and carry an electric heater around to whichever room you are in.

A quarter tank of home heating oil (approximately 62 gallons in a 250-gallon capacity tank) will likely last about 4 to 8 days in typical late December temperatures in Northern New York, depending on several household-specific factors. ​

 

[debodun]

Maybe you should move your thermostat down a bit and carry an electric heater around to whichever room you are in.

It on 65F now!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

If you've only used 3/4 tank since September, that 1/4 tank you have left will be fine until Monday (unless your gauge isn't registering properly.)

I have to agree with Kate. A quarter tank should last you far longer than Monday.

But it's much colder now, so likely using at a faster rate.

Don’t you have the thermostat at 65 degrees ? Maybe close all the doors in your house and shut the vents in all the rooms you are not using. Seriously consider fixing that bathroom window. It’s a real heat drainage in your house.

 

[jlhog]

You could go fill a couple 5 gal cans and dump in the tank.

 

[debodun]

It's not gas - it's fuel oil. Where would an old lady get fuel oil on Christmas?

 

[PeppermintPatty]

You could go fill a couple 5 gal cans and dump in the tank.

This is a great idea. When we had an oil furnace, we would periodically fill the tank with diesel oil. Some gas stations actually sell furnace oil. Furnace oil IS diesel with colour added.


Furnace oil (heating oil) and diesel are very similar, both being middle distillates from crude oil, but they aren't identical; furnace oil is often heavier, dyed red for tax reasons (no road tax), and has higher sulfur content, while diesel is cleaner and taxed for on-road use, though emergency use of diesel in a furnace is often possible, it's not ideal long-term.

 

[Kaila]

I realized I haven't had a delivery since September. I checked the tank gauge and I'm riding on 1/4 full (250 gallon tank). I went to my supplier's web site's customer portal. The order went in for a delivery to me on December 15th! Try to get somebody on a holiday. Phone automated message the office is closed until Monday! Probably all the truck drivers are on a holiday break, too.

Even though the supply  will likely last long enough, and they probably do have the stop on their list for next week;

I can understand that it could make a person feel uneasy.

It's the coldest and darkest time of the year, and heating fuel does go faster.
And the holidays also effect schedules and office hours.

 

[debodun]

I get nervous when my car gas tank gets to 1/4 full, but at least I gave control over that.

I wouldn't worry so much in the summer, but in winter, if the heat goes out, water pipes could freeze.

 

[againstthegrain]

Heating w fuel oil is a pia, yes you can run diesel from the gas station in a oil burning furnace as pointed out above. Based on the forecast there is zero chance of pipes freezing in OP's location. If it were much, much colder, near zero° F, running the water will keep pipes from freezing.

Run the heat as normal and if it runs out get several gallons of diesel in a fuel can, but don't fill it to the brim, make 2 trips to the gas station, instead. Wear rubber gloves and place fuel container on cardboard in the trunk(boot!). Restart furnace. OP will have a long weekend of worry needless to say.