Written on: April 13, 2026
We’ve heard from a lot of you recently with concerns about surging oil prices, especially following a bitterly cold winter that drove heating costs up for many people. There’s a lot of worry about what next season might bring as the situation in the Middle East has shocked the energy markets, driving prices higher in what is normally the “off” season.
The upside of our cold winter is that many homeowners used more heating oil than usual and may have gotten a late-season fill up. The advantage is that because heating oil, particularly ultra-low sulfur heating oil or the clean-burning Bioheat® fuel we deliver, has a long shelf life. In most cases, heating oil stored properly in a clean tank can last as long as two years without any noticeable degradation. That means you may be starting next season with heating oil that cost you less.
Even if you didn’t get a delivery late in the season, understanding your daily heating oil use can give you more control, fewer surprises, and a better plan for staying comfortable without overspending.
When your heating system is running efficiently, it should burn between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of heating oil per hour during colder weather. Over the course of a full day, that typically adds up to around 15 to 25 gallons, depending on outdoor temperatures and thermostat settings. For example, a typical 275-gallon tank holds about 230 usable gallons. In an average winter, that supply might last 4 to 6 weeks in a 2,000-square-foot home.
With the deep extended cold snaps we saw this winter, you may have gone through oil faster—which can serve as a useful benchmark for future planning.
If you’re worried about next year’s costs, the good news is there’s plenty you can do now to improve efficiency—without sacrificing comfort.
Start with the basics. Annual maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your system running efficiently. A professional tune-up helps your furnace or boiler burn fuel more cleanly, and our expert technicians can catch small issues early, to prevent breakdowns from happening when you need heat the most.
Then, address the most common culprits that can affect efficiency. Some cost-effective repairs and upgrades can help keep costs down next season.
Consider upgrading your insulation and seal up drafts. Drafty homes lose heat quickly, forcing your system to run longer. Well-sealed homes use less fuel because they maintain temperatures longer. You can get professional duct-sealing to eliminate gaps and cracks, but even doing some easy DIY caulking projects can make a noticeable difference.
Improve your thermostat habits. Small adjustments can have a noticeable impact over time. Simply lowering the temperature a few degrees when you’re sleeping or not at home can help you improve efficiency dramatically. Used correctly, a programmable thermostat can help you lower your heating costs by 10% or more.
Many customers know that there are important benefits to head into the warmer months with a full tank of heating oil. One big reason is that in the spring, heating oil prices tend to be at their lowest. Even with current higher oil prices, it can still be smart to fill up your tank.
Having a full heating oil tank during the warm summer months prevents condensation inside the tank. That int turn, prevents sludge from forming, which can corrode your tank and lead to leaks, tank replacement and expensive cleanup.
Nothing will make us happier than when prices start dropping. We can all keep our fingers crossed for a return to milder temperatures next winter, but no one can predict how the season will go. If you haven’t enrolled in our Easy Pay Budget Plan, now is a great time to sign up. It comes with a 2% rebate and keeps bills predictable.
When it comes to your comfort, Swezey’s got your back: Contact us today for convenient deliveries, full-service equipment installations and repair, and great neighborly service. Contact us today.