How to Lower Your Heating Oil Bill

Posted Sunday May 24, 2026

Heating oil is one of the bigger winter expenses for Long Island homeowners — but a handful of smart habits can meaningfully cut what you spend each season. Here's how to lower your heating oil bill without sacrificing comfort.

Buy Smarter

• Watch the posted price. Heating oil is a commodity, so the rate moves daily — order on a milder day rather than mid-cold-snap.
• Order larger quantities when you can — per-gallon pricing drops as order size rises.
• Buy local. A family-owned Nassau County supplier like Oilex avoids the markups of national brands.

Use Less Without Feeling It

• Seal the leaks. Weatherstrip doors, caulk windows, and insulate the attic — the cheapest "fuel" is the heat you don't lose.
• Lower the thermostat a few degrees and use a programmable or smart thermostat to dial back while you sleep or are out.
• Service your system. A yearly burner and boiler tune-up keeps efficiency high and prevents costly breakdowns.
• Bleed radiators and keep vents clear so heat circulates evenly.

Time Your Orders

Because heating oil is a commodity, the price moves daily. You can't predict the market, but you can avoid the worst moments: try not to wait until your tank is near empty during a deep cold snap, when demand spikes and you may be forced to take whatever the price is that day. Keeping a buffer in your tank gives you the flexibility to order on a milder day. Topping off a larger quantity at once also earns a better per-gallon rate than frequent small fills.

Plan Ahead

Running out leads to emergency fills and priming fees. Avoid that with automatic delivery, and read our winterizing tips for more seasonal savings.

Start Saving

See today's low prices and order online, or call (516) 333-2703.