Fuel Oil FAQs

This answer depends on your definition of the “best price.” We always urge our clients to compare more than actual prices. What are the hidden fees, if any? What are the enrollment or service charges? Most importantly – and something people often miss – is the price being quoted a special deal designed to secure your business? Will that price expire after a certain time period?

When reviewing prices, ask questions, read the fine print and be sure to compare all the details of one proposal to another.

This goes hand in hand with the previous answer. Price is important, but there is more to consider when signing an oil contract. Does the dealer offer service in addition to fuel oil delivery? (This is important to know. You don’t want to find yourself without a contracted repair source if your equipment breaks down on a cold winter night.) Can the dealer guarantee a steady supply of oil all winter? (This goes to reputation and buying power.) What is the “service order” of the dealer? (Are there “rules” that allow some customers to enjoy guaranteed service while others wait their turn?)

Service is very important to consider. What service hours does a dealer have? And what program do you need to enroll in to get service after hours, weekends or holidays if you need it? Is equipment maintenance included in the price – or not?

Unfortunately, we can’t answer this kind of pricing question, but we wish we could! Predicting the cost of any commodity, particularly one as volatile as oil, is difficult (if not impossible). Because we don’t want to mislead our customers, we won’t risk making price predictions that are inaccurate.

There are only two kinds of price protection: locking in prices and capping prices. Locking in the price fixes the price you will pay during a season. Capping a price establishes a maximum price you will pay during a season, but the price you pay will fluctuate for the duration of that season.

It’s just as important to carefully research your local fuel oil company as it is to research your program options. Ask friends and family for referrals. Ask suppliers for references and ask about licensing. Ask any question that helps you make an informed decision. Selecting the wrong fuel oil provider can leave you out in the cold when you need comfort the most.

Reducing your heating and cooling costs differs from helping you protect and predict your fuel oil price. We cannot guarantee that you’ll save money on fuel oil, but we can help you understand and budget for your fuel oil.

The answer to this question really depends on your preferences and what you want to spend to protect your budget from market changes. Some of our customers buy fuel oil using the day-to-day market price without any negative consequences. However, this strategy is risky because the market can change very quickly. Going with the daily market price can give you flexibility, but no protection if costs soar.