For modern homeowners, choice is essential when it comes to making heating and utility decisions. People want freedom and flexibility and they want it now.
And this makes sense - the age of long-term contracts and iron-clad commitments is over, and consumers are looking for different oil delivery options. In other words, they want oil delivery options that suit their needs and desires.
Fortunately, these are becoming more and more accessible throughout the U.S.
Here's what you need to know about modern oil delivery and how it can help your household thrive:
Standard Oil Delivery Options
Once upon a time, oil delivery involved partnering with one company and purchasing oil from them.
The company had a monopoly on the industry and was fully in charge of the prices of the oil. In some cases, this monopoly created long wait times and higher-than-average prices.
The Best Way to Buy Heating Oil Today
Today, there are dozens of smart ways to purchase heating oil. One of the most popular is on-demand heating oil delivery.
Ideal for customers who want no-contract, one-time heating oil delivery for their homes, on-demand oil delivery is a smart service that allows customers to view up-to-the-minute oil prices, outstanding oil deliveries, online orders, and more.
Here are a few of the benefits of on-demand oil delivery:
- Low prices. One of the primary draws of on-demand oil delivery is the low prices offered by the process. Delivery rates are an average of about $0.40 lower per gallon than the U.S. Energy Information Administration's reported averages for the U.S. By keeping delivery costs low, on-demand delivery services can pass savings along to customers - saving the average consumer about $200 a year compared to exclusive fuel provider prices.
- Transparent pricing. On-demand oil delivery provides service without hidden fees or last-minute costs. Consumers who use these services pay only for the fuel they use - nothing more, nothing less. What's more, most on-demand oil delivery companies provide online billing, which provides complete transparency and the ability to access near-immediate refunds.
- Quick delivery. There are few things more frustrating than waiting days or weeks for an oil delivery, especially when so much of a household's functions rely on that heating oil. Luckily, on-demand heating oil delivery is quick and streamlined. In many cases, people who use these services can get an oil delivery within three days or less - in all but the most outstanding weather conditions. Rush service is commonly available, as well.
- Additional services. On-demand oil services commonly offer additional services, as well. These may include a furnace or A/C inspection, tune-ups, and more. No matter what a consumer needs, an on-demand oil delivery service can commonly either provide it or offer a recommendation to someone who can.
Choosing a Heating Oil Delivery Provider
Few things are more important than your home's heating oil. As such, it's important to ensure that you're choosing the right heating oil provider when it comes time to select one.
Here are a few things to know about various heating oil delivery providers:
1. Full-Service Companies Provide 24/7 Service
This service extends to cover all heating-related issues, in all weather conditions. Discount oil companies, on the other hand, might not provide service after hours or on weekends.
2. On-Demand Services Provide More Flexible Pricing
Bargain oil delivery services offer fixed and inflexible payment plans, which can make oi delivery budgets hard for consumers to manage. On-demand services, however, offer more flexible pricing and payment options that work with a wider variety of budgets.
3. Discount Companies may run out of oil
In some cases, it's possible for discount companies to actually run out of heating oil. This can cause a real problem if you're waiting for oil anxiously, or you need it to keep your home running efficiently.
4. Full-Service Companies can Help Keep Your System Running Efficiently
While discount oil providers don't often have the skills needed to help you maintain your system, full-service, and on-demand companies do.
This provides a valuable perk for consumers. When you know your oil delivery professional can help you maintain your system, it saves you from having to find another trusted contact to keep your home warm and functional.
While oil heat is very safe, having these professionals at your disposal is a big deal and is a very sought-after perk among many consumers.
5. Some Heating Oil Delivery Professionals Will Flex Around You
If you don't want to deal with your heating oil delivery any more than you have to, you can find a delivery provider who is happy to flex around your needs.
These providers can schedule deliveries for you, ensuring you never run out of oil and that you don't have to do any more work than absolutely necessary.
Heating Oil Delivery for the Modern World
Many homes still rely on heating oil for warmth and efficiency. And this makes sense - it's a safe, efficient form of energy. More often than not, the only downside is the requirement that heating oil be delivered. Luckily, modern heating oil delivery is setting out to fix this.