Discussing Automatic Vs. On-Demand oil Delivery Services

When you first arrange for a residential oil delivery service, you’ll typically choose between automatic or on-demand delivery. If you want the convenience of never running out of heating oil, we recommend selecting an automatic delivery. But if you prefer to track your usage, choose an on-demand oil delivery service instead. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, and most companies don’t charge delivery costs. You’ll only need to pay for the oil you need to get your tank back to the appropriate level.

But which heating oil delivery service is best for your daily usage? Here’s what Burch Oil has to say:

How An Automatic Oil Delivery Works

With an automatic oil delivery, the provider works with you to determine your average oil usage. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of oil since you’ll get a set delivery schedule. The average delivery time is around once every four weeks, so you always have enough oil to keep your heating equipment running. 

Since the delivery company handles everything, you don’t need to monitor your fuel levels. As professionals in heating oil and delivery, they’ll help you determine the appropriate frequency and show up at predetermined intervals. You can also receive priority during high-demand periods, which means you don’t need to worry about getting an expensive emergency delivery in case you suddenly run out of heating oil!

How An On-Demand Oil Delivery Works

With on-demand delivery, you get more control of your oil consumption. On-demand delivery can help with your planning and budgeting, especially if you prefer to handle these matters yourself. That also means you’ll need to keep track of your fuel usage, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s often possible to track the current and potential future prices of heating oil. 

You can also control when you want your heating oil and delivery, especially if your aim is to time your purchases to save more money. For instance, if you fill up your tank before the colder months arrive, you could potentially save more money and avoid an expensive fill-up during the winter season. But keep in mind that not all can deliver on the same day or the next day, as some can have a longer delivery time. This means you’ll have to stay on top of your needs to avoid being left in the cold.

Their Usual Drawbacks

Both automatic and on-demand delivery services have their fair share of disadvantages that may put a damper on your usual heating consumption. Automatic oil delivery services, for example, are mainly based on an estimated amount of oil you consume each month. This doesn’t account for the major changes in your fuel consumption, such as a significantly reduced furnace usage due to, let’s say, being out of town for weeks. 

Automatic oil delivery service may also be inconvenient if you suddenly consume more oil than usual. If you build a home addition or tend to be at home more often because of homeschooling or a work-from-home setup, you’ll end up using the furnace more often than what’s estimated. If you don’t inform your heating and HVAC services company about your change in oil consumption beforehand, you won’t receive enough fuel when they come for the next delivery. You might even run out of fuel before they deliver the next batch!

While on-demand oil services provide you more control over your oil consumption, this also means checking your tank more often. You should always remember to do this or else you may run out of fuel when you least expect it. There’s always a chance that you’re burning oil faster than expected, so you should learn when to call and schedule a delivery when you need it. It’s also recommended that you schedule a delivery if you have about 25% fuel left in your tank so that you won’t run out of fuel before they arrive.

Determining What You Can Afford

When deciding between an automatic or on-demand heating oil delivery service, one major factor to consider is how much you can spend on the fuel itself. This is because oil prices can be priced differently depending on when you purchase them. And depending on the service you choose, this can either benefit you or put you at a disadvantage. For instance, an automatic oil delivery service means you’ll only have to pay the current price each time your tank is topped off, whereas an on-demand oil delivery means you’ll pay for whatever the price is at the time you order your fuel. 

Anticipating the Oil Price Changes 

The oil prices can change almost instantly, especially in times of severe weather conditions or other natural events. Let’s say that a big storm or cold front is about to hit your area. You’ve checked your tank and see that it’s almost empty, so you call for a delivery. With everyone preparing for the weather, the high oil demand will cause a sharp rise in its prices. 

With an automatic delivery service, you’ll just need a small top-off. You may still be paying the higher price for the oil, but you won’t need too much of it, since there’s a good chance that the prices will be back to normal by the time you top off again. But for an on-demand delivery plan, it can be much more expensive especially if you’re going to fill your tank that’s almost empty.

Buying Your Heating Oil in Bulk 

Sometimes, you might notice that the price of heating oil is lower during the summer months. This can last until just before the fall season starts, but then your tank might be full already because the furnace isn’t being used. If you still want to take advantage of the inexpensive oil prices, it may be a good idea to purchase the fuel in bulk. Of course, this means you’ll be investing in another oil tank, but as long as it’s properly stored, heating oil can last around 18 to 24 months. 

To know more about our heating oil delivery and services, just call Burch Oil today at (301) 373-2131 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We have the right experience and expertise in heating and HVAC services so you can be confident that you get what you need with speed and efficiency!