Delivery, Payment, Service

The two basic options are Automatic Delivery and Will Call Delivery. These options are described briefly below.

This option puts the burden of keeping your oil tank full on the dealer. They monitor your oil consumption and plan their deliveries to you accordingly, so you do not have to think about it. Please know that most dealers ask their automatic delivery customers to set up a credit card on file or do a credit check.

This option requires you, the customer, to call your dealer for an oil delivery. Most dealers require 2 to 5 days' notice and a minimum delivery of 150 gallons to guarantee the Green Energy Consumers price. Unless you have a balance or credit with your dealer, you will also need to be at home when the delivery is made. We urge you to order before your tank guage reads one-quarter full, particularly during periods of cold weather.

The dealer you are assigned will outline their terms and conditions for payment, but most offer three basic options: Billing, Cash On Delivery (COD), and Budget Plans. These options are described briefly below.

Once your credit has been approved or you have established a good relationship with your dealer, you can set up a billing payment method. Typically, you have up to 30 days after your delivery to pay your oil bill. You will receive a special “prompt pay” discount if you pay your bill right away.

COD is only available to will call customers, and payment must be rendered at the time of delivery. Accepted methods of payment vary and are based on dealer discretion. COD per-gallon prices are typically lower than 30-day billing prices.

We highly recommend the budget plan payment option. A budget plan makes using oil more like a regular utility, much like your phone or water bill. The dealer calculates a monthly payment for oil, making your costs fairly even throughout the year and ensuring you do not receive enormous oil bills. Budget plans are seasonal and typically you must sign up during the summer months.

Our Heating Oil Service contracts with full-service oil dealers who provide repair and replacement services as well as 24/7 emergency coverage, which means the oil dealer you are paired with can provide all of your oil services. Information on service contracts, tune-ups, and repairs is listed briefly below.

Service contracts are an optional but recommended way to anticipate the costs of repairs that your heating system may need. We especially advise a service contract if your heating system is older.

The cost of a service contract depends upon the dealer and the services being offered. They currently range from $180 to $400. Each contract covers a defined set of services and parts and almost always covers an annual tune-up (described below and highly recommended).

If your heating system is very old or in disrepair, the heating oil dealer we assign to you has the right not to offer you a service contract. If the dealer recommends replacing the system, ask for a bid from that dealer and get two more bids. Replacing an old heating system can have excellent returns on investment.

If you have a newer heating system, you can opt to pay for an annual tune-up instead of purchasing a service contract. Tune-ups typically cost between $150 and $200. If by chance you need an emergency service call that is not covered by the warranty, the dealer will send a service technician as long as you have an established account with them.

Tune-ups help keep your system efficient, which saves you oil and money. We highly recommend that you order a tune-up every year.

Download free guide: What to look for in a tune-up