As expected (see "Weathering Winter Heating Costs") oil prices have broken the $3/gallon threshold.
That is a 60 - 80 cent increase over the end of last winter, meaning that for a 150 gallon delivery (the minimum for most local companies) homeowners can expect to pay $90 - 120 more per delivery than they did at the end of last winter!
And it is probable that they will continue to rise as the winter wears on.
In addition to the tips I offered in my Money Saving Winter Tips, for those of you who have oil furnaces (or those of you who have clients who have oil furnaces) in the Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Northampton county areas, I thought I would let you know about the best little oil delivery company I have found: Ranson Fuel. (I have absolutely NO relationship to this company whatsoever other than finding them to be great and wanting to share the tip).
First, and most importantly, they are THE cheapest company around (I called plenty of places, and Ranson is anywhere from 5 to 35 cents a gallon cheaper than any of the other companies I called.) Today's price was $2.889, for example.
Next, they post their prices on-line (unheard of for oil delivery companies).
Third, their minimum delivery is only 115 gallons (a MAJOR bonus when you need oil but have the pressure of holiday bills).
Finally, they actually understand customer service and are VERY helpful (also unheard of for oil delivery companies.)
This company is a true local gem. The only drawback I have found is that they do not schedule recurring deliveries, you have to call them to schedule your own periodically, but to save a bundle each winter, it is worth it!
If you (or your clients) do call, please let them know that you heard about them through Joe of Sherlock Homes Inspections - I like to let local companies know that others are passing the word about them when they are deserving of it.
Finally, a few facts/tips about heating oil:
- Heating oil is very much similar to diesel fuel or kerosene (heating oil is a lower grade or quality). So, if you are running low on oil, you can get by with 5 gallons of diesel until the delivery comes through.
- Pre-purchase plans (where you buy oil ahead of time in certain quantities) generally work out in your favor financially speaking (oil almost never has a sustained price dip in the winter).
- If you run out of oil, priming the system is not difficult. All you will need channel lock pliers and an empty coffee can (or plastic cup) and the knowledge of which nut to loosen until oil flow is established. If you are unsure, have the delivery tech do it once (they may charge you) you will never forget again.
Hope you found this useful! Best wishes,
Joe Michalski
Sherlock Homes Inspections
Comments(5)