If you've never used heating oil before — or you're new to owning a home with an oil furnace — the delivery process is simpler than it looks. Here's what a typical relationship with a provider looks like.
Getting started
Most providers ask for your tank size, approximate usage (or square footage, if you don't know your usage history), and delivery address. Some will do an initial "will-call" delivery, where you contact them each time you're running low, before moving you to an automatic plan.
Will-call vs. automatic delivery
Will-call: You monitor your own tank gauge and call or order online when you need a refill. This gives you control over timing but comes with real risk — running out of oil mid-winter means both a cold house and, often, a service call to bleed the fuel line before your furnace will restart.
Automatic delivery: The provider estimates your usage based on degree days (a measure of how cold it's been) and your historical consumption, then delivers before you're projected to run low. Most Seattle providers consider this their default recommendation, since it removes the risk of an unexpected run-out.
Payment plans
Many companies offer budget billing — spreading your estimated annual heating cost across equal monthly payments rather than one large bill per delivery. This doesn't change the total amount you pay, but it can make winter budgeting more predictable.
What affects your price
- Seasonal demand — prices typically rise in the coldest months when demand peaks
- Delivery frequency — tied to your tank size and household usage
- Contract type — some providers offer price caps or fixed rates for a fee
Questions worth asking before you sign up
- Is there a minimum delivery amount?
- What's the emergency/same-day delivery policy if I do run low?
- Is there a cancellation fee for automatic delivery plans?
- Do you offer a furnace tune-up as part of the service, or is that billed separately?