Choosing the right oil company can be confusing with all of the choices available. According to data from Smart Touch Energy, heating oil burns 300 degrees hotter than natural gas, allowing it to warm your home faster while simultaneously increasing its output. Not all oil companies are created equal, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are factors to consider when choosing an oil company.

1. Price

If you're making a list of the best oil companies, it has to start with the price. Price is the number one reason why people switch oil companies. While we do not recommend solely choosing an oil company based on price, it is still important when looking for a new company.

When comparing prices between different heating oil companies, it is important to compare apples to apples. How many gallons will you receive? What are the delivery and service fees? Is there a minimum-gallon requirement for deliveries? All of these questions need answers before making an informed decision on which oil company has the best price.

2. Quality

The quality of the oil you receive matters and should be considered when choosing an oil company. How old is the fuel, and where does it come from? What grade of heating oil do they provide? These questions will give you insight into how much money your system will lose over time due to degradation in performance due to poor fuel quality.

One way to tell if an oil company has good fuel is by using the "cotton ball" test. Take a cotton ball and put it in your tank for one day. If the cotton ball comes out black, that means there are impurities or water in your heating oil; therefore, you should consider switching to a different oil company.

3. Customer Service

Customer service is essential for choosing the right oil company for you, especially with emergencies like heating system breakdowns and boilers that need immediate attention. When your heater goes out in the middle of winter, having a responsive customer service team can make all the difference in how quickly they fix the problem.

Most oil companies have a phone number to call, but some offer online chat and email support. Make sure to ask the company about its customer service policies before signing up for its services.

4. Delivery Area

Not all oil companies deliver to every area; make sure to check and see if your zip code is in their delivery area. Some companies only provide to certain states or regions, so it's important to do your research before signing up for a new oil company.

Oil company prices, fuel quality, and delivery areas vary greatly. You can decide which company is best for you by considering the factors above. To learn more about our oil delivery services, don't hesitate to contact us at Petrol Home Services today.