When Is the Best Time to Buy Heating Oil?

It is well known that heating oil is commonly used during the winter season, primarily because homes are in need of warmth. However, as expected, prices also spike up as a result of the high demand and depleting supply. This has amplified the notion that the best time to buy heating oil is summertime. It is definitely at its peak during the scorching season in the country. Moreover, purchasing heating oil during this time is a lot more affordable compared to winter.

But is summer really the right time to purchase heating oil? In this post, we’ll tackle the basics of this material and figure out whether people should continue buying heating oil solely during summer.

What Causes the Fluctuating Heating Oil Prices?

1. Crude oil supply and demand. Crude oil prices have the most significant impact on heating oil prices. While home heating oil is a derivative of crude oil, the global supply and demand for crude oil can move heating oil prices up or down. It is worth noting that crude oil is the base fuel used in gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants, and heating oil.

1. Local heating oil supply and demand. This is also a factor that impacts heating oil prices the most. Most AC services teams would suggest that in most populated areas, there are thousands of oil-heated homes, and many heating oil dealers to choose from. This requires dealers to offer competitive pricing and fast delivery making the prices in these communities significantly lower than in other regions.

The Issue With Keeping an Empty Heating Oil Tank

Although it has been noted that heating oil is much needed during the colder months, it is still considered a necessity all throughout the year. Experts note that when you let your home heating oil run out in the warmer months, condensation can form on the interior bare walls. When this happens, the water drips down to the bottom of the tank which would eventually trigger the growth of bacteria and mold.

This is immediately considered a huge dilemma for an oil tank. This is exactly the reason why every heating equipment expert says that ensuring your heating oil tank is full during summer prevents all of this from happening, saving you the trouble and hefty repairs during wintertime.

Keep in mind that even though you won’t use as much heating oil in the warmer months, you still need some in your tank. Homeowners may use oil to heat water for baths, cooking, and washing dishes and clothes. The largest use of hot water in the summer months is for showers. Even if you’re just taking a quick five-minute shower, you’re going to want to have hot water.

People are urged to remember that a dishwasher needs hot water to get their dishes clean. If you wash your dishes by hand, you will certainly want some hot water. Coldwater just won’t do on greasy, dirty pots and pans. Hot water is necessary for these and other routine cleaning chores.

Why Is Summer The Best Time To Buy Heating Oil?

• Better heating oil availability. As mentioned, in the summer months there is a high supply of heating oil. It is certain that anticipating until the winter season might mean that your usual provider has no more stock available. Most homeowners are highly likely to have their oil tanks filled during this time, so you might not get any oil if you fall at the last of the delivery queue. Depending on several factors, waiting could last for a few days or longer which can be a frustrating and dangerous situation to be in especially knowing that the temperature is dropping quickly. 
• Lower off-season heating oil prices. Heating equipment installers remind that the best time to buy oil is during the off-season months as these are when heating oil prices are low. Given the law of supply and demand, peak season suggests that the price of heating oil would be high. Hence, it does not make sense for you to be spending more than needed while getting less value for your money. 
• The feasibility of regular deliveries. Do not forget how the weather affects the flow of everything. Despite the availability of an item, if it’s unsafe to travel due to a storm or similar dilemmas, routines and distributions will be delayed.

How  A Summer Fill Really Helps

Of course, it is unpleasant to get caught off guard by a sudden cold snap. Thus, having a full tank guarantees you have the fuel to use when it is necessary. Most AC services teams would say when it’s not urgent, it’s also easier to schedule your home heating oil delivery instead of waiting until the very last minute or paying for an emergency delivery.

Furthermore, as stated earlier, if you assure there’s heating oil all throughout the seasons, your system’s operations would work just fine. The potential rust causing the sediments to clog the fuel lines wouldn’t exist too.

The Bottomline:

Although summer is deemed to be the right time to buy heating oil, it does not really matter. Even during a cold snap, you can always check heating oil prices locally and through the internet. You will have the liberty to see which dealers are available in your town, as well as when they can make a possible delivery. You will save hundreds of dollars on average compared to automatic delivery over the course of a season.

Burch Oil has been serving the home comfort needs of customers throughout Southern Maryland for more than nine decades. We have proudly served and delivered home heating oil to our customers and strive to be the best service and oil delivery company for you and your family for years to come.

If you need new HVAC equipment, we have the knowledge to help you make a smart investment in your home. We also offer a number of different heating oil and fuel delivery options for Southern Maryland residents. Contact us today and schedule an appointment via (301) 298-1673.