The best time to think about heating oil is when you don't need any at all. If you wait until cold weather arrives, you may find yourself spending a lot more money on your heating oil as a result. There are several practices you should follow to avoid extra charges.
Capped Plans Aren't Worth It
Don't use capped plans. How capped plans work is that by paying a small fee, you are promised to never have to pay above a certain amount. The problem with capped plans is that homeowners really exceed the cap, so the extra fee you pay ends up being an unnecessary expense.
Don't Choose the Minimum Order
Don't order only the minimum. Some homeowners will attempt to save money in the short run by only ordering the minimum amount of heating oil. However, doing so will cost more money in the long-run. Only filling your tank up a little bit can be dangerous when your tank runs low, which could cost you more money overall.
Keep Your Tank Full
Always keep your tank full. You should never wait until your tank has become empty before ordering more fuel. Sludge is a potential problem when your heating oil runs low and can clog the tank even when your heating oil is pure. But when you take steps to avoid extra charges, you won't be afraid to pay money to keep your tank full.
The last thing you want is to wait until late at night or the weekend before deciding to fill up your tank. This is when a heating oil delivery charge is likely to be the most expensive.
Sign a Contract with a Company You Trust
When entering into a contract, make sure that you agree to all of the terms. In many cases, when you cancel a contract, it can lead to an expensive fee. The best way to enter into a contract is to work with a company first without a contract. Then, if you're happy with the service, you may choose a contract so you may reap the benefits.
Signs of a great heating oil company include:
- Heating oil that has the grade you expect
- A heating oil delivery truck that arrives on time
- A responsible service provider who does not make a mess when filling up your tank
When you feel comfortable with the heating oil company, a contract can save you a considerable amount.