How To Determine How Long Your Heating Oil Will Last in NJ
Do you use heating oil at home? You’ve probably asked, “How much heating oil will I use a day?” and tried to work out an approximate figure. The answer depends on factors, such as the average outside temperature, the condition of your furnace, and your normal thermostat setting. So, here is a look at how to determine how long your heating oil will last.
The consumption of heating oil depends on the following factors:
1. Average outside temperature:
This is the most important factor in determining how much heating oil your system will consume. The lower the outside temperature, the more oil you will need to keep your home warm. The following chart shows the approximate amount of oil used by a heating system at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal setting for winter.
Degrees Fahrenheit – Approximate gallons consumed in 24 hours
15 – 7.8
20 – 7.0
25 – 6.2
30 – 5.3
35 – 4.5
40 – 3.7
45 – 2.8
50 – 2.0
The average temperature in January, the coldest month in New Jersey, is 31.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature in the winter months is 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, you have an approximate idea of the average heating oil usage per month in NJ.
2. Type of heating system:
The type of heating system your home has makes a big difference in how much oil you use. Some homes use heating oil only for warmth. Others use it for showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. These increase oil consumption. You may also have other sources of heat, such as a wood stove, a fireplace or an electric heat pump. These help decrease your oil consumption.
So, how long will 5 gallons of heating oil last if you use it only for heating? In January, at an average outside temperature of 31.5 degrees Fahrenheit, it will last a little less than 24 hours. But, that also depends on other factors discussed in this article.
3. The condition of your heating system:
The condition of your heating system has a direct impact on your heating oil consumption. Newer models are more efficient than older ones. Upgrading to a newer model can significantly cut down your heating oil usage. Also, regular cleaning and maintenance prevent a decrease in efficiency. Energy-efficient practices, such as replacing the air filters regularly and removing obstructions from vents, also help decrease heating oil usage.
4. Your normal thermostat setting:
Your thermostat setting has a huge impact on heating oil consumption. The higher the thermostat setting, the quicker your oil will burn out. So, how long will 50 gallons of heating oil last if your thermostat setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit? Let’s suppose the average outside temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Using the above table, the answer would be 13.51 days. Now, how long will it last if you increase the thermostat setting to, say, 82 degrees Fahrenheit? A few days less than that.
5. How old and how big is your home?
Older homes are not designed to be energy-efficient, which means they have many openings from which heat can escape. They do not have proper insulation or door and window designs. It takes more to heat up a home when the heat continually leaks out. Also, larger homes require more oil than smaller homes.
So, how long will a full tank of heating oil last in New Jersey? A standard residential heating oil tank can hold 275 gallons of heating oil. The average winter temperature is 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your thermostat setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering everything else to be in an ideal state, your fuel tank will last nearly a hundred days. This is just an approximation, of course.
If you have a heating oil tank on your property, whether in-ground or above-ground and are wondering how long your home heating oil will last, contact All American Environmental. We will be happy to help you. We are fully certified and licensed and are ready to answer any of your questions.
