If your 275-gallon tank is full at the start of a 40-degree weather spell, the oil will last for approximately 74 days, or 2.5 months. Granted, you would be lucky if the temperatures in your area drop no lower than 40 degrees during the winter months.
To reduce oil consumption, the best and most effective way is to downsize the output of the boiler. For example, if the boiler is a 15 - 26kw (50 - 90000Btu) it will have been installed with factory settings of either 20.5kw or 23kW output.
Let's say average outside temperatures are around 40 degrees F. A 100-gallon tank providing heat at 17 gallons per day will last 5.8 days (about 6 days). But remember, there are a lot of variables that impact the efficiency of your home heating system and how long those 100 gallons last.
Tank size: 275 gallons (holds 250) Reorder point: 1/4 tank or 68 gallons. Usable gallons between fills: 250-68 = 182 gallons. Number of Days Between Fills: 182 gallons / 5.2 gallons/day = 35 days.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the combustion chamber and burner are essential for efficient operation and optimal air quality. Proper ventilation around the furnace is also important for a healthy indoor environment.
To slow oil consumption, a higher viscosity grade oil can be used, especially an oil with a higher operating temperature viscosity. Oil burns when at its hottest and therefore thinnest viscosity.
Turn down the thermostat 10 degrees when you go to work, and again when you go to bed -- a total of 16 hours a day - - and you can save about 14% on your heating bill. Keep a close eye on your tank gauge. Don't let your tank run out of fuel oil which may add special delivery charges.
Regular Maintenance: Having your oil heater professionally serviced annually can significantly improve its efficiency. This includes cleaning the burner, checking for leaks, and replacing filters. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, using less fuel and reducing costs.
It's More Advisable to Turn the Heat Down, Not Off
HVAC replacement companies recommend turning the temperature down by at least eight degrees before you go to sleep for eight hours or more, depending on how long you sleep at night.
During winter, temperatures often vary between the 20s and 40s, with an average of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions, a typical home uses about 5.3 gallons of heating oil daily.
Call to Schedule Oil Delivery
If your gauge shows that the oil tank is empty, then your next step should be to call your oil company to schedule a delivery. Depending on when you call, it could take a few days before your oil arrives.
Oil consumption is sometimes caused by mechanical problems. Seals and gasket, the bearings, cylinders, ring grooves, connecting rods can be worn or damaged. Cylinders that were not honed properly when the engine was built (or rebuilt), incorrect installation of the piston ring, or other improperly installed parts.
If your engine is low on oil but there isn't a leak, that means it's probably being burned inside the engine. A bad PCV valve is a frequent culprit in the case of burning oil--but what is it, exactly? A PCV valve is designed to let air escape when the pressure in the crankcase is too high.
By cutting off the heat source, you allow the oil to start cooling down gradually. It's essential to let the oil cool down on its own for a bit without removing it from the burner. This slow cooling process helps stabilize the temperature without causing a drastic drop.
Understanding Fuel Oil Furnace Efficiency
Modern fuel oil furnaces boast impressive AFUE ratings, often between 85% and 95%. This means that for every gallon of oil burned, 85% to 95% of the energy is converted into heat for your home, with only a tiny percentage lost.
If you have a 275-gallon tank, which typically holds about 230 gallons of fuel (the rest is needed for air), a full tank should about five weeks in a 2,000 square foot home. Overall, you should expect to use somewhere between 700 and 900 gallons during an average heating season in our area.
If you aren't as fascinated by wrapping your brain around this estimate (it's OK, we all can't be cool oil nerds), here's our general rule of thumb: If your energy usage is average and your home is around 2,000 square feet, a ¼ of a tank should last you about a week during mid-winter months when the temperature is ...
Your oil tank
Equally, if you have an inefficient heating system, this can also burn through heating oil quickly and therefore increase your oil consumption. The size of your oil tank will also determine how often the heating oil in your tank needs to be topped up.