While you use an oil-based heating unit to warm your home in the winter, you may be unsure how much fluid you need to keep it running. Luckily, knowing the proper measurement for your home heating oil can save money and prevent your house from getting cold. To determine the right amount, consider the following factors contributing to the fuel's usage.

What Household Elements Affect Heating Oil Use?

1. Space and Size of the House

If you own a larger house, it will require double the amount of home heating oil than a smaller space. A four- to five-bedroom residence with multiple stories will need more fuel over time than a one-story, two-bedroom unit. Tinier homes require less of this liquid to heat the overall area, so keep that in mind when stocking up over the winter. 

When calculating how much heating oil you need, you should also accommodate thinner walls or windows without double panes. These qualities can let more cold air into the property.

2. Outside Temperature

Major and minor drops in the outdoor temperature can affect home heating oil consumption. If the weather drops 15 degrees or more, your unit will need almost double the amount it previously used.

Looking at weather predictions can help you properly prepare and buy enough fuel to last during the cold streak. Check apps and websites to know when the temperature might plummet, then purchase more oil to accommodate the changes.

3. Occupants' Schedules

During the day, most people who live in the house will be out at work, school, or running errands. There might not be much point in running your heating appliance when the residence is empty, saving you from using oil. 

Keep a schedule of when your family is indoors to determine when the heat runs. For instance, it can be from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m., which considers when your children get home and when you all leave the following day.

If you need help determining your home's heating oil consumption, turn to the specialists at Ike's Fuel. For half a century, they have provided the residents of Juneau, AK, with quality service and fuel to keep everyone warm and comfortable. They offer different tank sizes and custom orders to suit any needs. When the temperatures start to drop, you can rest assured that they will be there to keep your home heated. For more information on their services, visit their website or call (907) 364-3420.