Knowledge Base & Questions
Our knowledge base is updated frequently and always growing, but its not all encompassing. If you don't see your question answered below, send us a message here. No question is too small or out-of-scope. Chances are your not alone. Statistically - For every one person who asks a question up to seven people were wondering but didn't ask. We may not have every answer —but together, we can find the right people who do.
How do you arrive at the best price?
Four times per day we solicit prices from over 50 companies. Our system matches your specific gallon amount with companies whose pricing tiers include that volume, separating cash and credit options. All matching prices are sorted by cost per gallon in ascending order, with only today's fresh data included. The lowest price per gallon that meets the tier criteria is displayed as the best available deal
How do you calculate averages?
While we always highlight the single lowest price available each day, our trend graph displays the average price across all vendors to show you the overall market movement over time. Each day's average is calculated by summing all available prices for a specific gallon amount and payment type, then dividing by the number of companies offering that rate. This gives you both views: the best deal you can get today (lowest price) and how the overall market is trending (average price), helping you understand whether current prices are unusually high or low compared to recent history.
What do you mean by Marginal Savings?
We compare posted prices across all suppliers and normalize them by gallon tier to determine the true cost per unit. For each tier, we calculate the percentage change in price per gallon when moving from one tier to the next higher (For Example: 100 to 150 gallons). This shows the marginal savings of ordering more fuel. The approach highlights where volume increases deliver meaningful value and where additional gallons provide diminishing returns. The result is a clear, math-driven view of which quantity jumps actually save you the most money per gallon.
What is HDD or "Heating Degree Days" and how are they calculated?
Heating demand is measured using "Heating Degree Days" (HDD), an industry-standard metric used by energy companies nationwide. Each day's HDD is calculated as the difference between 65°F (the baseline temperature where homes don't need heating) and the day's average temperature—but only when temperatures fall below 65°F. We sum these daily values over a 7-day period and compare it to the same week last year, with higher HDD totals indicating colder weather and greater heating oil consumption..
What do you look at specifically to form your opinion on long term pricing?
Outside of weather and trends we look at the NYMEX (HO) Home Heating Oil Futures - specifically NY Harbor ULSD. As of December 2025 we are monitoring HOF26, HOG26, HOH26 representing contracts for the first 3 months of 2026.
In addition, we're sort of data and stat nerds - to that end we also look at US Rail Freight & Intermodal Volumes, Consumer Proxy behaviors like foot traffic at retailers to build connections. Did you know that credit card delinquencies can correlate to an up-tick in sub-100 gallon deliveries?
How do you calculate heating demand comparisons?
We sum Heating Degree Days over a 7-day period and compare that total to the same 7-day period one year ago. If this week has 15% higher HDD than last year, homes are using approximately 15% more heating oil. This helps you understand whether current consumption rates are normal or if unusually cold weather is driving higher-than-expected oil usage.
Where do you get temperture data?
We source historical and forecasted weather data from a professional meteorological service that provides verified temperature readings. All temperature data is specific to our primary service areas: Long Island, NY; Westerly, RI & Norwalk, CT. For Long Island & Westerly we capture town specific measurements to calculate coastal tempertures. This information is updated daily.
What areas do you cover?
At present we cover 3 primary areas: Long Island, New York; Westerly, Rhode Island; & Norwalk, Connecticut. We plan to expand into more markets soon. To provide the same level of service it takes time to build data and relationships with vendors in each area.
Can I order oil directly through your website?
No, we provide price comparison data only. Once you've identified the best price, you'll need to contact that company directly to place your order. Most other sites will charge oil suppliers a flat-fee plus percentage to list their prices. This in turn increases the total cost to the consumer. We don't do this which is why our prices are generally lowest. If you wish to order online we recommend CODFuel for Long Island, FuelSnap for Connecticut and DollarWise for Rhode Island. We display company names so you can call them or visit their websites.
How Accurate are heating demand forecasts?
Our 7-day heating demand forecasts are based on professional weather models and are generally reliable for understanding upcoming consumption trends. However, weather forecasts become less accurate beyond 3-4 days. We update forecast data daily as predictions are refined.
Why does heating demand percentage differ from temperature change?
A 5°F colder week doesn't always mean 5% more fuel usage because heating degree days are calculated from a 65°F baseline. When temperatures are very cold (say, averaging 20°F vs 25°F last year), that 5°F difference represents a larger proportional increase in heating demand. HDD provides a more accurate consumption estimate than simple temperature comparison.
Do you guarantee these prices?
Prices shown are accurate as of our last update, but companies may change rates at any time. We recommend verifying the price when you call to place an order.
Why don't I see my usual company listed?
We try to include every possible company in an area and current inclusion rate is roughly 80% However, there may be some companies which are not listed - generally this is because they focus on automatic oil delivery and don't offer on-demand orders.
Can I see historical price trends?
Yes, our price trend graphs show how heating oil prices have changed over recent weeks and months. This helps you understand whether current prices are relatively high or low, and whether you should wait or buy now based on market trends.
How do I read the heating demand forecast?
Our heating demand widget shows two percentages:
Actual which shows how much more/less heating oil homes used this past week compared to the same week last year
and Forecast which shows how much more/less heating oil homes are expected to use in the coming week compared to last year's same week
. Positive percentages indicate more heating needed (colder weather), negative percentages indicate less heating needed (warmer weather).
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It should be simple right?
We think so too, but it's anything but that. Often, consumers will see different prices for the same company and quantity depending on when and where they look.
Have more questions?
Use the link below to send us your questions. We try our best to respond to every inquiry same day.
If we don't have the answer we'll be up front and let you know we're still researching.