Heating oil is a safe and efficient method for maintaining a warm and comfortable home during the colder months. To keep it in working condition through the winter, you need to monitor the oil tank gauge. Use the following guide to ensure it’s being refilled at the appropriate time to avoid running out of fuel.

How to Read the Gauge

Checking the level of your oil tank is similar to reading a thermometer. Most modern tanks have a gauge that’s located on the top and shaped like a clear cylinder. The float will be inside, and the outside will have markings that indicate the oil level: full (F), 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4.

As your heating oil is used, the float will drop down, displaying how much fuel is in the tank. Once the float reaches the bottom or is no longer visible, the tank is almost empty or has been depleted.

Make sure the gauge is working correctly and providing an accurate reading. Remove the outer case and press down on the float. If it comes back up to the same level it was on before, you’ll know it’s operational.

When to Refill the Tank

Several factors will determine how quickly your heating oil is used, such as your home’s insulation, the efficiency of your heating equipment, and how cold it is outside. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to order more fuel when the gauge gets down to 1/4.

With a 275-gallon tank, which is the most common size found in homes, a 1/4 of a tank will typically last about a week in freezing temperatures. If you’re concerned about getting stuck with no heat, consider ordering earlier.

Smart Oil Gauge™

If you’re worried about monitoring the fuel tank, you can install a smart device to warn you when the oil is getting low. Using Wi-Fi, Smart Oil Gauge will update an app to show current levels and can send alerts via text or email when you have 1/4 left. Because the information is sent to the Cloud, you can use the app from any location. 

If you want to make sure your tank has enough fuel, contact Bradigan’s Incorporated in Kittanning, PA. They offer a convenient solution for managing your heating oil and will notify you when it’s time for a delivery. They can also install Smart Oil Gauge so you can receive alerts on your phone. Since 1952, this petroleum distributor has been a reliable source for quality fuel throughout Armstrong and the surrounding counties. Call (724) 548-7654 to place an order and sign up for their automatic tank monitoring program, or visit them online for more information about their pricing plans.