An automatic refill schedule is based on "heating degree days".  Using "degree days" is a standard way of measuring how cold it is.  It takes the mean temperature of the day and compares it to 65 degrees F.  If the mean temperature on a day is 35 degrees, then we made 30 degree days in that 24 hour period.  We obtain daily degree days figures from the local National Weather Service, and we keep a running total in the computer.  A typical year here in Columbus will make 6000 - 7000 degree days.

A house will have a certain oil burn rate, similar to a car getting a certain number of miles per gallon.  A house will burn a certain number of gallons per a number of degree days.  The burn rate for a given house depends on many factors.... the size of the home, how well its insulated, the efficiency of the furnace, and the thermostat setting.  If all these factors remain constant, the burn rate remains fairly constant, and we can accurately schedule deliveries based on a customer's history.  With automatic refill, we may be making deliveries when you are not home... for this reason, auto-refill customers need to have an account set up, or go on the budget payment plan.  Since automatic refill makes us more efficient, we offer a discount to our auto-refill customers.  To sign up for automatic refill, call our office and let us know. 

Special Note:  If a house has other heat sources like a heat pump or wood burner, it can be difficult to get an accurate burn rate for scheduling deliveries.  Also, room additions and higher thermostat settings will affect your burn rate and should be communicated to our office.

The budget plan is designed to level out your heating costs over an entire year.  Rather than have large heating bills during the winter,  you have a small bill each month.  Budget Billing starts in the summer, you build a credit balance during the fall and in the Spring your account is settled.  Contact our office to sign up for budget billing.