Heating Oil Costs at a Glance

• 100 gallons: $280-$310
• 275 gallons: $500-$1,000

If you heat your home with oil, you know there’s almost nothing worse here's nothing worse than running low — except, perhaps, running out. Even if you've still got some oil left, filling up during the winter months can get expensive.

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The cost of heating oil isn't static. Instead, it fluctuates depending on the time of year and other conditions, most of which are out of your control. Find out more about the cost of heating oil below.

Is It Expensive to Heat With Oil?

All heating fuels can be expensive, especially when your home's not well insulated or your furnace is no longer energy efficient. However, by controlling these factors, you can reduce your overall heating expenses. For example, consider basic insulating steps to help keep your home warm, such as checking for air leaks around doors and windows. These are areas where you can lose heat, which increases the cost of keeping your home warm.

How Much Does 100 Gallons of Heating Oil Cost?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating oil prices vary. The factors that can affect the cost include:

• Region
• Season
• Competition in local markets
• Regional operating costs
• Supply and demand

It's more expensive to heat your home in cold-weather areas, such as the Northeast and Midwest. Additionally, from October to March, the average cost of oil for home heating reaches its peak. The best way to save money on fuel prices per gallon is to schedule your delivery during the summer when the demand is lowest. Overall, the average cost of 100 gallons ranges between $280 and $310. This doesn't include extra charges for fast delivery and taxes, which differ between states.

How Long Will 50 Gallons of Heating Oil Last?

Determining how long your delivery will last depends on several factors:

• The age of the furnace
• Size of the home
• Insulation
• Average temperatures

For a small house less than 1,000 square feet or in an area with mild temperatures, 50 gallons may last the entire winter. However, more square footage, poor insulation and bitterly cold weather could cause you to go through 50 gallons in less than a month — or even a week.

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• How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
• How to Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light in 5 Simple Steps
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How Much Does It Cost to Fill a 275-Gallon Oil Tank?

The cost to fill up a 275-gallon oil tank can vary from under $500 to close to $1,000. To keep fuel expenses low, shop around for prices and purchase in bulk during the off-season. Also, consider switching from oil to propane or vice versa, depending on the average cost in your area. For many people, the cost of propane is lower than oil.

Lowering Your Cost of Heating Oil

Along with purchasing fuel during the off-season, replacing your older furnace with a new, energy-efficient unit is an excellent way to save money. Although a new HVAC system is expensive, the average savings on heating oil may pay for itself over a few years. Additionally, the extra warmth and comfort during the window is an excellent bonus.

Heating a home with oil can get expensive depending on the time of year and other factors. Additionally, if your home isn't well-insulated or your furnace isn't working efficiently, the cost of heating oil can easily outpace your budget.