Take These Steps Should You Run Dry of Heating Oil

Thousands of homeowners across the United States rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. What do you do if you run out of heating oil and don't have time to order more? In this blog post, we will provide a few steps that you can take to help you get through this difficult situation.

Take These Steps Should You Run Dry of Heating Oil
[image: pexels by mikhail nilov]

What to do when you run out of heating oil?

Heating oil is a petroleum product used to heat many homes across the United States. It is stored in a tank and pumped into a furnace where it is burned to generate heat. Home heating oil tanks can range in size from 50 to 250 gallons or more. So, whether you are looking for an oil heater service, or simply want to know how to take care of your own oil heater, below are some tips on what to do when you run out of heating oil. Either way, it's important to have a plan in place so that you are prepared should this situation arise. Refilling heating oil is not always an option, depending on the time of day or week, so it's best to be prepared.

Try to conserve what you have left

The first thing you should do is check your heating oil tank to see how much fuel you have left. If the gauge shows that you have less than a quarter tank of fuel remaining, then you need to start conserving what you have left. Turn your thermostat down to 60 degrees and only heat the rooms that you are using. You should also avoid using any appliances that generate heat, such as the oven or clothes dryer. You can also close off any rooms that you are not using in order to keep the heat concentrated in the areas where you are spending most of your time.

Reach out to your network

If you have friends or family members who live nearby, see if they can help you out with some of their heating oil. You may also want to post a message on social media platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor, asking if anyone in your area has any extra heating oil that they are willing to share. Friends and family members may be able to help you out in a pinch, but it's important to remember that they are not obligated to do so. Furthermore, you should only take this step as a last resort since it may be difficult to repay them once you have your next delivery of heating oil.

Contact your heating oil company

If you have run out of heating oil and don't have time to order more, your best bet is to contact your local heating oil company. Many companies offer emergency delivery services for just this type of situation. You will likely have to pay a premium for this service, but it is worth it to know that you will have the fuel you need to keep your home warm. Moreover, many heating oil companies offer financing options that can help you pay for your fuel over time.

Use an alternative, if you have any

If you have a wood stove, now is the time to use it. If you don't have a wood stove, see if you can borrow or rent a portable heater. These can be used to heat one room at a time and can help you conserve your heating oil. You should also layer your clothing and blankets to stay warm. Essentially, you would want to find the best alternative to heating oil at the moment. Spend time in the warmest room in your home and close off any rooms that you are not using. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your family warm until your next delivery of heating oil arrives.

[image: pexels by mikhail nilov]

Be prepared for next time

The best way to avoid running out of heating oil is to be prepared ahead of time. Make sure you know how much oil your tank holds and how often you need to order more. You should also sign up for automatic delivery from your heating oil company. That way, you will never have to worry about running out of fuel again. Being fully ready for this type of situation will save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.

Consider getting a portable heater for emergencies

Another way to be prepared for this type of situation is to invest in a portable heater. This way, if you ever do run out of heating oil, you will have a backup plan in place. Portable heaters can be used to heat one room at a time and can help you conserve your heating oil. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using a portable heater and always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

By following these steps, you can be prepared should you ever run out of heating oil. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can avoid a stressful and potentially dangerous situation.