Godspeed

I've been there as well. Diesel is the same without the dye.

https://loveenergyfuel.com/heating-with-diesel/#:~:text=Diesel%20fuel%20used%20in%20diesel,untaxed%20or%20lower%2Dtaxed%20fuels.

I once heard somewhere that you can use diesel from a gas station when you’re in need like this. Look into it, and hope you get it all sorted out!

Bundle up and get some electric space heaters. Be safe with the space heaters.

deisel works in a pinch.

Oil co told me last week my tank was rusting and they wouldn't deliver to me anymore. It was a tiny rust spot with a booger sized drip of crusted oil that was visible.

Now we are converting to gas since a new oil tank would be up to 5g.

Until you get the heat going again, also consider keeping a small amount of water running through a few of the taps. That will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Thanks. I have two sweatshirts on and a space heater going near me. :)

Thank you, doing that now!

Thank you! Did you have to do anything with the bleeder valve when this happened to you? Also, how do you get the diesel into the tank? I don't have any empty holes on the top of the tank, not even one with a square-socket plug. I could try a wrench on the gauge, or try via the mail fill line outside...

Up to five grand?! Good grief. How big of a tank do/did you have? Was your boiler/furnace on its last legs as well? Replacing that component can't be cheap either.

There will be a fill spout along one of the sides of the house. You can wait till the tech gets there to pour it in if you are unsure where it is. I'm sure he can direct you. I'd have the diesel on hand though.

If you don't have any experience with the furnace, I wouldn't recommend messing with it yourself.

Thank you! I hope we don't get there. Is there anything similar you can do for water in the radiator system?

we already have gas in the room so conversion will be relatively easy.

5g for a new tank was the estimate from the corporate oil company that we use and had a service plan through. Got some quotes for a bit less but while doing this it is a good opportunity to switch.

our boiler is a weil mclain its not new but works great may have some value on fb marketplace not sure yet.

we got a good price on a viessman high efficiency combi boiler and to remove tank so going that route.........

I ran out of oil once. They explained that as the last ounces are used, it can suck the accumulated silt and debris from the bottom of the tank into the filter, which needs to be removed and flushed before service can be restored.

You may also be able sign a contract to have them regularly top the tank off so you never have to worry about catching it before you run out again.

I don’t think it will be cold enough to worry about the radiators freezing but you could always bleed them a bit to keep the water circulating if you’re concerned.

Thanks. Turns out that won't be necessary (heat is back!!)

Diesel or Kerosene from gas station, then bleed the furnace.

Bam!

Heating contractor here. Use diesel. Probably going to need a new filter and pump screen since you prob sucked in sludge. Hopefully the line didn’t clog. If you ever need anything pm me. I own a plumbing, Heating, and cooling business here in west haven

This is great info to have. Thanks.

We're planning a move to CT.

Based on that link and a couple others, it says the average 1650 sqft home will use 7 gals of oil per day. Was looking it up and found average costs (2021) was approx $3.00 per gal.

So that's roughly $610 per month. And if the house is bigger, say closer to 3000 sqft, it'd be almost twice that ($1220) per month. Is that accurate?

I know there are variables (e.g., outside temps, comfort levels, etc). But trying to estimate a budget.

Thanks

I’m guessing you aren’t actually out of oil if the gauge is showing 1/4 and bouncing back to 1/4 easily. Tapping on the tank isn’t really going to prove effective.

My guess is either some sludge got sucked in and is blocking the line or there is another issue with the burner itself. Hopefully the tech can solve that…

If you are actually out as others have mentioned just use diesel in a pinch, pour it in to the same pipe on the outside where your oil deliveries go in. However you will need to bleed the system and reset the burner, it’s not as simple as adding oil then it will turn on again…

Thank you! Turned out to be an air bubble in the oil line from the tank to the burner. The HVAC tech was able to get it out, thank goodness.

We did check the oil level in the tank, and there was oil in there. You're right, tapping was ineffective. Seemed like a fair idea, though!

A small wrench (maybe 10mm) and a shallow bowl is all you need to bleed the line after adding diesel. Put at least 5 gallons into your tank, and im sure you can find dozens of tutorials on YouTube. Bleeding and restarting takes less than a minute.

Believe me I’ve tried that method too! Haha

Glad to hear it worked out.

Sounds like you ran low on oil and drew in some air. If that happens or if you run her dry you need to bleed the system....now you know

Glad you got it fixed, I’m out and waiting on affording to get another 100 gallons to get me through a month not with some warm days coming up, should be ok.

www.Cashheatingoil.com or Purple Fuels typically have the lowest prices. Discount on cash heating oil for paying with cash or check

Haven’t had oil in a while, but there should be a bleed valve at the furnace on the oil line. You may want to open it and let the oil fill a small cup. If oil is flowing then it isn’t your problem. It could be the igniter.

When we were buying oil, I used to use Standard Oil although there were many other quality oil companies. We also used to lock in prices which could help or hurt you. Standard would estimate when I need another delivery and just show up and fill it up.

Once, I ran dry. Guy showed up at like 11pm on a weekend. Poured in some oil to get me running for a day or two and made sure everything started up. Since we were a customer, the service was free and we paid standard rate for the oil and then the next fill up. He said that there is an on call technician with the truck at their house 24 hours a day.

Another time, my burner went and they came, replaced it and the fee was very reasonable.

You pay a little more but you get a lot if you can swing it imho.

Told you

Get the oil filter changed as well.

Go to the gas station and buy deisal fuel and pour it into your pipe the goes to the oil tank the 2 gallons sould get you though a day.

Yes although you won’t be able to pick by company name they will tell you which companies with delivery next or same day too