If your home’s heating system uses fuel oil, you'll need to ensure the tank always has an ample supply during winter so that you don't get left in the cold. The system has a gauge that lets you know when you need to refill the tank. However, gauges can malfunction and give you the wrong reading. Here are some pointers on dealing with a problematic fuel gauge.

What Should You Do When Your Fuel Oil Gauge Doesn’t Work?

Before you call for a heating technician, you can first try to determine what your gauge’s exact problem is. For instance, some tanks use a float gauge, which has a small float that goes up and down with the current fuel level. 

If your tank uses this type of gauge, it could malfunction if the float gets stuck inside the tank from a buildup of oil sludge. 

As a result, the gauge dial won’t move either. In such cases, you can get the float to work again by simply agitating it with your hand so that it becomes unstuck.

If this doesn't work, have a technician to assess the problem. They can also clean, repair or replace the gauge as needed.

How Can You Check Oil Levels Without a Gauge?

If the fuel oil gauge hasn’t been fixed yet, there are still manual methods available. You could dip a yardstick inside the tank until it reaches the bottom, then mark where the oil covers the stick. 

However, make sure the stick is straight and rigid for an accurate reading. If the stick is bent, it will be covered in more oil, which could make the tank appear fuller than it is.

Since 2001, Main Energy in Palmyra, NY, has provided fuel oil to homeowners in Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region. They offer competitive prices and flexible payment plans. Call (315) 597-5200 to discuss your heating oil needs, or visit their website to learn more about their delivery options and available fuel types.