Posted: July 21, 2025

How Long Does Heating Oil Last?

It pays to consider the fuel in your heating oil tank — even in summer.

You have lots of things to worry about in the summer, from keeping your air conditioning running well to making sure your kids have what they need for camp. When it comes to your home comfort, Main-Care Energy has the resources and dedication to help you out in the summer and all year long. It’s part of our 360° of Service commitment. Our team is there for you every hour of the day and every season of the year for just about every aspect of our home comfort.

In the hotter weather, many homeowners in Glens Falls, the greater NY Capital Region and the Hudson Valley (not to mention parts of Massachusetts and Vermont) aren’t thinking about heating oil. But it’s a good idea to pay attention to how much fuel you have in your heating oil tank and make sure it’s filled well in advance of the winter. In this post, we’ll tell you why.

How Do You Check Your Heating Oil Tank Levels?

Keeping track of your heating oil levels is key to staying prepared during colder months, and it’s easier than you might think. Start by locating the tank gauge, usually found on top of the tank as a glass or plastic tube with markings like F (Full), ¾, ½, ¼ and E (Empty). A colored float shows the current oil level. To ensure the gauge is accurate, remove the casing and gently press on the float. If it bounces back, it’s working properly; if not, it may need service. Finally, read the gauge like a car’s fuel gauge; if it’s at ¼ or less, it’s time to schedule a heating oil delivery.

How Quickly Will You Consume Heating Oil (Now and in the Winter)?

Many homeowners assume that heating oil usage drops to zero during the summer, but that’s not always the case. If your home has an oil-powered water heater, it continues to operate year-round. On average, water heating alone can consume about half a gallon to a gallon of oil per day. For larger households with greater hot water demands, this number can be even higher.

As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, your furnace or boiler will start to kick in, gradually increasing your fuel consumption. On a mild 50-degree day, your heating system might use less than a gallon of oil to keep your home comfortable. But when temperatures drop to around 30 degrees, daily usage can climb to two gallons or more. And as the mercury plunges below 10 degrees, you could see consumption rise to three or even four gallons per day.

Why Is a Summer Heating Oil Delivery a Good Idea?

If your heating oil tank is less than one-third full, we strongly encourage you to arrange a heating oil delivery soon. Here’s why:

1. Protecting your tank. Filling your tank in summer prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of sludge and corrosion while extending your tank’s lifespan.
2. Being ready for winter. Avoid a surprise run-out during the first cold snap or snowstorm. (Heating oil has a long shelf life and will still work perfectly in a few months.)
3. Easier scheduling. Our Main-Care Energy heating oil delivery team has more availability during warmer months.
4. Potentially saving on costs. Heating oil prices are often lower in summer, when demand is at its lowest.

Talk to Main-Care Energy about FREE Automatic Delivery!

Want to take a to-do off your list this summer — plus the other three seasons, too?

If you aren’t currently signed up for our automatic delivery schedule, now’s the time to do it. Main-Care Energy eliminates the risk of heating oil run-outs with this free offering. Our advanced monitors track your usage and schedule deliveries before you run low, so you never have to check your tank or call for fuel. Our customers love it!

Reach out to our heating oil delivery team today to enroll in automatic delivery and add some extra peace of mind to your life!