Maintaining Your Heating Oil Tank

5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Heating Oil Tank

heating oil tank Mount Kisco, NYHeating oil tanks are built to last for decades, and you can prevent premature failure by keeping your tank maintained, which includes arranging for periodic inspections to ward off any potential problems.

Here are five basic tasks for your heating oil tank that you can perform yourself.

  1. Don’t leave your tank empty over the summer. An empty oil tank is prone to a build-up of condensation that eventually finds its way into your fuel, where it will sink to the bottom of your tank and corrode it from the inside out. A damp tank interior will also encourage the growth of bacteria in your fuel, which will slowly turn your heating oil into a thick sludge that clogs your fuel lines. If your tank is half full or less, we highly recommend you schedule a heating oil delivery soon to avoid problems down the road. Better yet, take advantage of our free automatic delivery service so you don’t have to worry about the level of heating oil in your tank. We’ll take care of that for you.
  2. Watch for leaks from your tank. You should examine the tank, fuel delivery and vent lines, valves, supply and return lines and all fittings. Along the way, look for signs of oil or rust that might indicate a leak or another problem.
  3. Keep an eye on tank supports. Check the “legs” and “feet” of your oil tank for any problems that could make the tank less stable. Make sure your tank is on a level surface, preferably on a concrete pad or level basement floor. If you believe the tank’s support system is compromised, reach out to us and request a tank inspection.
  4. Look for surface damage. Examine your heating oil tank for obvious dents, oil stains and any signs of wear, settling or tilting, which could lead to problems later.
  5. Keep your fill pipe clear. Keep your oil tank’s fill pipe accessible for heating oil deliveries year-round. If the area near the fill pipe is overgrown, clear it so that your heating oil delivery driver can reach it easily.

Heating Oil Tank Installation in Mount Kisco, NY

New York State and Connecticut have specific regulations about heating oil tanks on residential properties. For example, tanks must be installed according to local building codes and regulations. Plus, regular inspections and maintenance are required to prevent leaks and spills.

If you’re considering replacing your heating oil tank, you can reach out to Westmore Fuel with confidence. We have decades of experience adhering to regulations and installing heating oil tanks for homes and businesses in Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Our installation crews work quickly and efficiently and always show respect for your property.

The same Westmore Fuel crews can remove your existing aboveground or underground tank. We will then replace it with a new storage unit, in the same or a different location. As with any of our installation services, we will clean up the area before we consider the job fully completed.

For underground tanks, we use a backhoe for installations and removals. We will coordinate with you in advance to make sure we have access to the heating oil tank installation location and that the area is free of any obstructions. Once the heating oil tank is installed and the backhoe is off your property, we manicure the area to return it to its normal state.

Options in New Aboveground Heating Oil Tanks

Today’s heating oil storage tanks are miles ahead of old models, because they are virtually leakproof and have features that include:

  • double-wall construction, with an outer tank of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel
  • leak-detection system
  • long-term warranties
  • sleek designs that can generally be installed in small or unusually shaped spaces

We will help you make your choice based on your historic fuel usage, the installation location terrain and any municipal or commercial regulations in your area.

Once your tank is installed, you can rest easy: Westmore Fuel provides reliable heating oil deliveries and offers service plan coverage that includes 24/7 emergency service.

Contact us today to become a customer and get all that you want and need for your home comfort. From Darien, Greenwich, Stamford and Port Chester to Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, White Plains and surrounding communities, Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938.

Westmore Fuel’s Rick Bologna Featured on “Mission Possible” Podcast to Discuss Greener Home Heating and Community Commitment

Greenwich, CT — May 1, 2025 — Rick Bologna, Vice President of Westmore Fuel Company and third-generation leader of the Greenwich-based home heating company, is featured in the latest episode of Mission Possible, a podcast produced by the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA). In the episode, Bologna shares how his family-owned business is helping to drive cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions for homeowners—while staying true to its deep community roots.

“We can be the solution to get to net zero,” Bologna says, emphasizing the critical role local energy providers can play in the transition to greener fuels.

Westmore Fuel has been blending biodiesel with traditional heating oil since 2012, well ahead of industry trends. The company uses a refined, soy-based biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil and agricultural byproducts, offering customers a cleaner-burning fuel that significantly reduces carbon emissions.

“People often don’t realize how far heating oil has come,” Bologna explains. “Today’s ultra-low sulfur heating oil, combined with biodiesel, means cleaner systems, lower maintenance, and fewer greenhouse gases.”

The episode also highlights Bologna’s personal connection to the community and the customer-first philosophy that has defined Westmore Fuel for nearly a century.

“A woman recently called about servicing her mother’s furnace. Her mom remembered me from when I was a kid,” Bologna shares. “That kind of trust—that’s what this business is about. I told her, ‘Pay half now, the rest next spring.’ That’s just how we do things—honestly, and with heart.”

With three generations of service behind it, Westmore Fuel continues to lead by example—offering practical, renewable solutions today while building toward a more sustainable tomorrow.

Listen to the Full Episode

Rick Bologna’s full interview on Mission Possible is available now on all major podcast platforms. The episode is produced by CEMA and hosted by Communications Director Shelly Sindland.

The podcast is available on most podcasting platform and on YouTube.

About Westmore Fuel:
Westmore Fuel is a third-generation, family-owned home heating company based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Serving communities in Connecticut and New York, the company is committed to delivering clean, efficient energy solutions while providing honest, personalized service rooted in decades of trust.

About CEMA:
The Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA) represents nearly 600 local heating oil, propane, and biofuel distributors as well as HVAC service companies across the state. CEMA is committed to supporting cleaner energy solutions and ensuring energy affordability for Connecticut families.

Oil-Fired Water Heaters Vs. Electric

Why Heating Oil Is a More Efficient, Cleaner Option

water heater Port Chester, NYFor homeowners in New York and Connecticut, a water heater is essential for daily activities such as bathing, washing dishes, and laundry. But when a water heater is not doing its job, it can severely disrupt your entire day.

Imagine starting off your morning with an ice-cold shower because your water heater isn’t working correctly, or worse, has stopped heating your water completely. An inefficient water heater is not only inconvenient, it may cause higher energy bills and lower performance, affecting your wallet and your peace of mind.

If you’re relying on an old, inefficient electric water heater, you can do better by switching to a much more efficient oil-powered water heater. Heating oil uses much less energy than electricity for heating water and it’s better for the environment. And it will solve the problem of constantly running out of hot water. Here’s why.

First, an oil-fired water heater heats water much faster and for less money, compared to an electric water heater. You should never run out of hot water when you rely on an oil-powered water heater!

Second, electricity made at a coal-fired or natural power plant generates significantly more carbon dioxide emissions than heating oil. Make the switch to an oil-powered water heating unit fueled by our eco-friendly B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel and you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint.

Today’s oil-fired water heater technology is also far superior to older models, which will guarantee you water heating savings for years to come. Here are two different ways to heat your water with an oil-powered water heater.

Indirect-fired Oil Water Heaters

Indirect-fired water heaters use the burner inside your heating oil boiler to heat your tap water. Anytime your boiler is heating your home, your indirect water heater works at no cost because it’s not using extra energy. An indirect-fired water heater is one of the most efficient water heating options available, and Westmore Fuel offers professional installation of these units from top manufacturers.

Direct-fired Oil Water Heaters

A direct-fired water heater is the kind of water heating that most people know well. It’s the most common type of water heater, with a dedicated burner inside to heat water that is stored in a tank. As you use the water in the tank, the supply of hot water is constantly replenished. This is a good choice if you heat your New York or Connecticut home with a warm-air furnace, instead of a hydronic system (boiler) that uses hot water or steam to heat your home.

Equipment Financing for Your New Water Heater

Westmore partners with the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) to provide financing so our customers can take full advantage of the equipment upgrades we offer.

NEIF provides loan lengths of three, five or 10 years on its EnergyPlus financing for qualifying purchases with NEIF-approved contractors like Westmore Fuel. NEIF does not run credit reports, so your credit will not be affected in any way. Read more about financing through NEIF.

Water Heater Service in Port Chester, NY

You can have confidence that the certified and experienced Westmore Fuel technicians who arrive at your home to install your new water heater have been thoroughly trained to do the job. Plus, every water heater we install is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, and we stand behind our installations with a 100%-satisfaction guarantee.

Whether you want to replace your old water heater now or simply want to learn more for future reference, one of our water heater equipment experts will be happy to give you advice.

We have decades of experience in evaluating our customers’ hot water needs. We will be happy to review your usage and provide a free estimate for the cost of a new hot water heater, along with the expected savings you will experience with your new unit. You can trust the professionals at Westmore Fuel to provide friendly, reliable and speedy service that will restore your hot water and your peace of mind.

Please reach out to us today to request a free estimate for a new oil-powered water heater installation.

How to Avoid Heating Fuel Runouts

Tips to Make Filling Your Tank Easier

heating oil Stamford, CTThe hardworking delivery drivers at Westmore Fuel are a dedicated bunch. They’re committed to keeping your home heating oil tank supplied with premium B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel throughout the heating season.

Of course, we need your help, too—whether it’s giving us enough notice to get a delivery truck out to your home, maintaining clear access to your heating oil tank, or letting us know if something in your household has changed that will affect your automatic delivery schedule.

Calling for Your Deliveries

Most of our customers enjoy the convenience and protection of our automatic delivery service (more on that later). But for those who prefer to monitor their own fuel levels, we are ready and able to oblige. Just remember these important points:

  • While we can make deliveries quickly in emergency cases, it is always best to give us a few days’ notice. This advance notice is necessary for scheduling your home into a delivery route.
  • We suggest giving us even more notice if a storm is coming or we’re locked in a long cold spell.
  • Westmore Fuel cannot be held responsible for runouts if you do not provide us with enough notice for a delivery.

Reading Your Oil Tank Gauge

Here’s a refresher on how to read your oil tank gauge and ensure it’s working properly. IMPORTANT: You should contact us to order more fuel when your tank gauge reaches the ¼ mark.

On top of the tank is a clear glass or plastic cube that is marked with numbers resembling a gas gauge in your car: F, ¾, ½, ¼. A red marker or float commonly shows the amount of fuel left in your tank. If the float is at the bottom of the gauge or not visible at all, your tank is empty or nearly empty.

To make sure the gauge is working, carefully remove the outer case and gently press the float down. If it bobs back up to the original position, the gauge is working. If the gauge is not working, contact us and let us know. The last thing you want to do is to start guessing how much oil is still in your tank.

Automatic Delivery: Let Us Do All the Work

There’s a reason why most of our customers take advantage of our automatic heating oil delivery service. This proven method allows us to manage your fuel supply, freeing you up to handle other important household tasks during the heating season.

With our automatic delivery system, we estimate how much fuel your home will typically use based on weather conditions and other factors. We will then deliver heating fuel automatically, usually when your oil tank gets to be one-quarter full.

Adjusting Your Automatic Delivery Schedule

Over time, we fine-tune our automatic delivery algorithms to ensure you always have fuel when you need it, especially during extreme cold weather. Below are household changes that can affect how much heating oil you use:

  • The number of people in your home has grown in the past year, such as a new baby, relatives moving in, or adult children returning from college.
  • If you used to go away for winter but no longer do.
  • If you now use an ancillary heat source in place of your furnace or boiler when it’s mildly cold.
  • If you recently completed construction and increased your living space.

If any of these changes apply to your home, please let us know.

Bioheat Plus® Fuel Deliveries in Stamford, CT

Westmore Fuel delivers clean-burning B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% ultra-low sulfur heating oil. Our Bioheat Plus fuel is rack-injected at our marine storage terminal, ensuring that every residential delivery includes this premium, eco-friendly heating fuel.

Among the communities who rely on us for Bioheat Plus fuel deliveries are Mount Kisco, NY, and Stamford, CT.

Why Choose Bioheat Plus® Fuel?

Westmore Fuel delivers clean-burning B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% ultra-low sulfur heating oil. Our Bioheat Plus fuel is rack injected at our marine storage terminal. Afterward, every residential delivery we make includes this premium, eco-friendly heating fuel.
Among the communities who rely on us for Bioheat Plus fuel deliveries are Mount Kisco, NY and Stamford, CT.

Our heating fuel burns cleanly and efficiently, helping the environment and easing the strain on your household budget. Remember, you don’t have to spend any money to modify your heating system to start using our Bioheat Plus fuel.

For added savings, our New York residential customers can qualify for a 20-cents-per-gallon tax credit on their state income taxes. That translates into a savings of $200 for every 1,000 gallons delivered!

Westmore Fuel has been serving heating oil customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938. Contact us today to become a Westmore Fuel customer and enjoy reliable, high-quality service for your home comfort needs.

Planning Your Boiler Upgrade

What Factors Should You Consider?

boiler Greenwich, CTRepair it or replace it? That’s a dilemma most homeowners face at some point, especially when staring at the prospect of an expensive repair to fix something that’s broken in their home.

When it comes to heating oil boilers, having a reliable and efficient home heating system is critically important here in Westchester County, NY, and southern CT, where we rely on our boilers for nearly two-thirds of the year.

If you’re not sure if your heating oil boiler will make it through another winter, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Whether you need to fix or upgrade your equipment, we have options for you.

If you’re on the fence about repairing vs. replacing your heating oil boiler, here are some guidelines to help you feel better about your decision.

If your heating oil boiler is more than 15 years old, you might be better off with a new one. The average lifespan of a home heating system is about 20 years. Just like computers and smartphones, heating equipment becomes outdated over time. With better technology, a new high-efficiency heating oil system can often pay for itself within a few years with the money you save each year on heating costs.

You should also consider replacing your equipment if:

  • Damage is severe.
  • Your system is undersized for your home (if you’ve built a house addition since installing it, for example).
  • The repair will cost more than 25% of the replacement cost.
  • Your monthly energy bills have gone up by more than 10% since last year.
  • Your system has been repaired more than twice over the last decade.

You should consider repairing your boiler if:

  • Your system is less than 15 years old.
  • It can be fixed with a reasonable chance there won’t be further similar issues.
  • Your equipment is properly sized for your home.
  • The problems are relatively minor.
  • Repair costs are 25% of the cost of replacement or less.
  • Your monthly energy bills have risen by less than 10% since last year.
  • Your system has been repaired less than twice over the last decade.

Heating Oil Boiler Replacement in NY and CT

While your old boiler may still be keeping your home warm enough, its efficiency rate is much lower than a new hot water boiler, which means you are using more fuel to generate heat.

Besides age, other signs that your boiler may be wearing out include signs of corrosion, frequent breakdowns, and expensive repairs.

Westmore Fuel has heating system options for every home and budget. We often install the System 2000 boiler from Energy Kinetics, the most efficient and versatile integrated heat and hot water system available. Some of our customers have enjoyed annual savings of up to 40% after they upgraded to the System 2000 hot water system. Plus, their homes stay warm and toasty no matter how low the outdoor temperatures fall.

Equipment Financing for Your New Heating System

Westmore partners with the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) to provide financing so our customers can take full advantage of the equipment upgrades we offer.

NEIF provides loan lengths of three, five or 10 years on its EnergyPlus financing for qualifying purchases with NEIF-approved contractors like Westmore Fuel. NEIF does not run credit reports, so your credit will not be affected in any way. Read more about financing through NEIF.

Heating Oil Service in Greenwich, CT and Beyond

From Greenwich, Darien, Stamford and Port Chester to Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, White Plains and surrounding communities, Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our heating oil customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938.

Contact us today to become a Westmore Fuel customer and get all that you want and need for your home comfort.

Oil Vs. Gas Furnaces

Why Oil-Heated Homes Stay Warmer

furnace Darien, CTPeople who have old heating oil furnaces may be considering switching to a natural gas furnace to heat their home because they think this could save them money on heating expenses.

What they don’t realize is that the upfront cost to convert to a natural gas furnace can typically be thousands of dollars. And it really doesn’t make sense to switch to a less efficient fuel like natural gas when our B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel can keep you warmer, even on the coldest of nights.

That’s because a heating oil furnace produces a tremendous amount of heating energy, providing both efficiency and comfort. For every gallon of heating oil consumed, nearly 140,000 Btu’s of heat are produced. That’s about 40% more heating energy than a natural gas furnace produces.

This is because the flame in a heating oil system burns much hotter than natural gas, as well as other energy systems. When the outdoor temperatures are below the freezing point, that powerful heat output can help keep your home as cozy as ever.

Heating Oil Is More Clean Burning than Ever

Advancements in both fuel quality and heating equipment have made heating oil more clean burning than ever before. As noted, Westmore delivers B20 Bioheat Plus fuel. This is a mix of ultra-low sulfur heating oil blended with 20% premium biodiesel made from renewable resources.

The use of Bioheat fuel lowers greenhouse gas emissions and puts home heating oil on track to becoming a carbon-neutral fuel. It has already been shown that B20 Bioheat Plus fuel emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas.

Peace of Mind and Safety with Heating Oil

Without question, home heating oil is one of the safest fuels you can use to warm your New York or Connecticut home.

To start with, heating oil cannot burn in its liquid state. It takes an advanced high-tech burner to ignite the oil. Before combustion can even occur, heating oil must first be vaporized by your oil burner at temperatures above 140°.

Rest assured, the fuel you have stored in your tank right now is very safe. In fact, if you drop a lit match into a bucket of heating oil, the flame will go out just as if you dropped the match into water. In other words, heating oil cannot explode.

Oil vs. Gas: Carbon Monoxide Safety

Unlike natural gas, a heating oil system poses a very low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If an oil burner malfunctions, the safety devices in the unit will typically shut the furnace off.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that heating oil consumers shouldn’t have working carbon monoxide detectors inside their homes, especially near all bedrooms. Besides a malfunctioning furnace, there are other sources of carbon monoxide leaks, including:

  • operating unvented appliances for long periods of time
  • back drafts caused by pressure imbalances near the heating system
  • leaving a vehicle idling in an attached garage
  • running a gasoline-powered generator in a basement or attached garage
  • a blocked flue

Make sure you check your carbon monoxide (and smoke) detectors regularly to confirm they work properly!

Secure and Safe Heating Oil Storage

With an oil tank on your property, you can always count on having a secure, on-site supply at your home. Westmore’s 1.2-million-gallon marine storage terminal, along with strategic supplier alliances, takes away any worry about any supply shortages. Not every fuel oil company can make this guarantee!

Contrast that to natural gas delivery. If an underground natural gas pipeline gets damaged, customers may lose their supply until repairs get done. And if a serious problem occurs with a gas pipeline, such as excessive pressure, explosions can occur.

Heating Oil Furnace Installations in CT and NY

Today’s high-efficiency heating oil furnaces provide extra heat more efficiently than furnaces made a generation ago. Higher efficiency means more energy savings, which of course translates into lower energy costs. This is why it pays to learn as much as you can about today’s high-tech heating solutions—and Westmore Fuel is here to help with the installation of the latest high-efficiency heating oil furnaces.

Our knowledgeable installers examine your current system, not only the old furnace, but the ductwork as well. Where other heating companies may just replace the furnace connecting it to existing ductwork, we upgrade the ducts to ensure proper hot air carrying capacity and flow.

Westmore’s installation team is our own, we never use contractors. That means we can stand behind our work and will be there for you in the years to come.

Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our customers in Darien, CT and other communities in Connecticut and New York since 1938. Contact us today to become a customer.

Bioheat® Fuel in New York and Connecticut

A Better Path to Clean Energy

bioheat Mount Kisco, NYWhen it comes to heating your home, electric heat pumps might be fine in some areas of our country, but if you live in the Northeast they are not. During extreme cold temperatures, electric heat pumps cannot generate enough heat to keep your family warm. Plus, despite what you may have heard, electricity right now is not clean energy! Currently, less than 10% of our electricity supply in NY and CT comes from wind and solar.

The alternative to electric heat pumps, of course, is for government leaders to acknowledge that Bioheat® fuel, which includes renewable biodiesel, deserves a place at the head of the clean energy table.

Westmore Fuel began leading our industry forward when we became the first company to deliver Bioheat fuel back in 2008. Today, every company in Connecticut and New York is following Westmore’s lead and delivering blends of Bioheat fuel. Your heating system does not require any modifications to burn this cleaner fuel. Bioheat fuel also does not increase energy costs and dramatically reduces carbon emissions.

Bioheat Fuel and Lower Carbon Emissions

Five years ago, hundreds of heating oil industry leaders set forth their clean energy goals in the Providence Resolution, a landmark commitment to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution called for a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2023, a 40% reduction by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To figure out if the industry had hit its first goal, Dr. Tom Butcher of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) conducted a study, and his findings were nothing short of phenomenal.

The latest data showed that the industry had far surpassed its first GHG goal. Instead of achieving just 15% by 2023. the industry achieved a nearly 26% reduction in GHG emissions!*

This was made possible through a combination of energy efficiency improvements and increased use of renewable Bioheat® Fuel. Other recent success stories include:

  • UL standards recognizing higher biofuel blends in oil-fired heating equipment.
  • Manufacturers introducing burners and heating systems to the market that are certified for blends of up to 100% biodiesel (B100)
  • New federal tax credits for homeowners who upgrade to more efficient oil-fired furnaces and boilers that are designed for use with higher blends of renewable fuels.

What’s Next for Bioheat® Fuel?

The end game is to transition to B100 Bioheat fuel (100% biodiesel). The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has proven that a home heated with 100% biodiesel and using solar panels to produce electricity can reach net-zero carbon emissions quickly — and at an economic cost.
As you can see, there is much good news to celebrate for anyone who relies on heating oil to stay warm and safe.

Bioheat Plus® Fuel Deliveries in NY and CT

Westmore Fuel delivers clean-burning B20 Bioheat Plus® fuel, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% ultra-low sulfur heating oil. Our Bioheat Plus fuel is rack injected at our marine storage terminal. Afterward, every residential delivery we make includes this premium, eco-friendly heating fuel.

Among the communities who rely on us for Bioheat Plus fuel deliveries are Mount Kisco, NY and Greenwich, CT.

Our heating fuel burns cleanly and efficiently, helping the environment and easing the strain on your household budget. Remember, you don’t have to spend any money to modify your heating system to start using our Bioheat Plus fuel.

For added savings, our New York residential customers can qualify for a 20-cents-per-gallon tax credit on their state income taxes. That translates into a savings of $200 for every 1,000 gallons delivered!

Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our heating oil customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938.

Contact us today to become a Westmore Fuel customer and get all that you want and need for your home comfort.

Does Heating Oil or Electric Home Heating Cost More?

BTU Content Can Be Used to Compare Actual Cost

home heating Port Chester, NY As you’re probably aware, there is a movement in Connecticut, New York and other states to electrify everything possible. And we’re not just talking about cars. Heating oil systems are on the chopping block too.

The new electric heat being touted as the replacement for everything else is the electric heat pump. This is basically an air conditioner that can work in reverse, blowing warm air into a home during the cold weather months.

This commitment to all-out electrification can lead to big problems, however. Heat pump conversions are expensive and not practical for all New York and Connecticut homes, especially those with no ductwork.

Heat pumps also do not work efficiently when the weather gets cold. What’s more, on January1, 2025, a new regulation goes into effect that changes the refrigerant in new heat pump equipment. As a result, manufacturers need to add new components to their equipment to be compatible with the newer refrigerants. Equipment manufacturers report that this will raise the cost of new heat pumps by 20-25% beginning next year.

Heat Pumps Can Leave You Cold

While it’s true that heat pump technology has improved greatly over the years, there are still times when it is so cold the heat pump will not be able to keep your home comfortable, requiring the need for a backup heating system.

But if state governments are successful in pushing heating oil, natural gas and propane gas heating systems out the door, the only alternative for backup heat would eventually be electric resistance heat strips that are integrated into the central heat pump system. But this will make electric bills go even higher! Electric resistance heat is cheap to install but very expensive to operate.

Compare Heating Oil to Electric Cost with BTU

According to data from the Energy Information Administration, in August 2024, the residential electric rate in Connecticut was nearly 30-cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). New York was a little cheaper, but still expensive, coming in at about 25-cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). So how do you compare that to the cost of heating oil from us, which has been in the range of $3.50 per gallon this year?

To achieve a true comparison of these costs, you need to consider heating efficiency.

First, heating oil generates much more Btu than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less heating oil to produce the same amount of heat energy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration explains that a British thermal unit (Btu) is a measure of the heat content of fuels or energy sources. It’s measured by the quantity of heat that’s required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit–at the temperature in which water has its greatest density (approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit).

Thanks to BTU, you can compare different heating fuels on an equal basis. For example, to compare heating oil with electricity, you need to know that:

  • one gallon of B20 Bioheat fuel = approximately 133,000 Btu
  • one kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity = 3,412 Btu

Right off the bat, you can see that our Bioheat Plus® fuel has a whole lot more BTU power than electricity does. To make these two energy sources “equal,” divide 133,000 Btus by 3,412 Btu. Your answer, rounded off, will be 39.

The number 39 means one gallon of B20 Bioheat fuel is the equal of 39 kWh of electricity. In other words, one gallon of heating oil has the same amount of usable energy as 39 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Finally, to get to the actual cost, multiply 39 kilowatts by the cost of electricity. Let’s use Connecticut for this example. Multiply 30-cents per kWh by 39 kilowatt hours and you get $11.70 So, one gallon of heating oil at $3.50 is the same as 39 kwh of electricity, which comes out to a cost of $11.70. It’s easy to see now the clear winner as far as the cost to heat your home: it’s Bioheat Plus fuel by a mile over electric heat!

B20 Bioheat Plus® Fuel in Port Chester, NY

While New York and Connecticut have both experienced delays in meeting their clean energy goals, we have not experienced any obstacles in moving forward with the oilheat industry’s goal of transitioning from 20% to 100% renewable Bioheat® fuel.

The industry has already surpassed its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 15% by 2023. They’ve achieved a nearly 26% reduction in GHG due to a combination of energy efficiency improvements and increased use of renewable Bioheat fuel.

The B20 Bioheat Plus fuel we deliver is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil blended with renewable biodiesel. The B20 part of B20 Bioheat Plus fuel stands for what percentage of the fuel is made with biodiesel. That means that our Bioheat Plus fuel is made with 20% biodiesel. This high level of biodiesel is why B20 Bioheat Plus fuel burns extremely clean, as well as efficiently. In fact, it typically only produces less than a tablespoon of soot in your heating system per year!

Heating Oil Services in CT and NY

Westmore Fuel provides heating oil and heating oil equipment service to Darien, Greenwich, Stamford, and nearby communities in Connecticut. We also deliver fuel and provide equipment service to New York communities, including Port Chester, Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, and White Plains.

Contact us to learn more about Westmore Fuel, a company built around its customers.

Common Furnace Problems

Troubleshooting Tips to Try Before Requesting Service

furnace Stamford, CT There are various reasons why your heating oil furnace stops working one day. For simple problems, you may be able to find the solution yourself and save yourself a service call. In other more complex cases, you will need to reach out for help from the Westmore service team. The last thing you want to do is start guessing and try to make a repair on your own. You may end up causing an even bigger, more expensive problem with your furnace.

Before we begin with diagnosing simple problems that often arise, here’s a primer on how heating oil furnaces work. Getting to know your furnace better makes you more informed if a heating problem does happen this winter.

How Your Oil Furnace Works

Because it generates heated air, a furnace is also known as a forced-air or warm-air system. Here is how it produces heat.

  • the thermostat sends a signal to the controls on the oil burner.
  • the fuel pump then draws oil through a filter to the burner.
  • the burner turns the oil into a fine spray, mixes it with air and ignites it in the combustion chamber, causing the chamber to become very hot.
  • air absorbs heat in the heat exchanger.
  • a blower sends this air through ducts and exits through vents to heat the home.
  • the air eventually circulates back to the heat exchanger and the cycle continues.
  • combustion emissions are vented out the flue.

Has the Power to Your Furnace Been Interrupted?

If your heat stops working and you’ve confirmed that there isn’t a power outage in your community, your next step should be to check for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. You also should check to see if the power switches to your furnace have been accidentally turned off.

If you find that power switches for your heating system have been turned off by mistake, simply turn the electrical switches back to the “on” position and your problem may be solved.

If your power switches are not the problem, next check your circuit breaker box to see if all circuit switches are still in the “on” position. Flipping the proper switch to on again may be all you need to get your system running again.

However, please keep this in mind: a circuit breaker rarely ever trips for no reason. If this happens once and never happens again, it may be just a fluke. But if this happens more than once, contact us for an inspection, as this could mean a serious problem.

Check Your Thermostat

Many instances of furnaces not working can be caused by the thermostat, whose signal to your heating oil furnace to turn on may be interrupted if the wiring of the thermostat has begun to deteriorate. A build-up of dust inside your thermostat is another common reason why your thermostat is not operating correctly. Another thing to look for are weak batteries in the thermostat.

Make sure your thermostat is set to at least five degrees higher than your current room temperature so the furnace “knows” you need more heat.

No Heating Oil in the Tank

If you call to order your fuel, make sure to check your heating oil tank regularly—especially in the middle of a cold snap. You should not let your oil tank fall below the ¼ mark. To prevent runouts, ask us about switching to our automatic delivery service, which is designed to prevent runouts and does not cost anything extra.

Replacing Your Furnace

Like any piece of equipment, your heating oil furnace will eventually have to be replaced one day. A new furnace can be a better choice than paying for another furnace repair because you will be able to reduce your annual heating expenses substantially.

The most modern oil furnaces have adjustable speeds and are very energy efficient. They feature high-pressure flame-retention burners, durable heat exchangers and microprocessor-based controls. This could save you a lot of money on heating costs in the years ahead.

If you think your furnace is wearing out, research your replacement options soon and then reach out to our equipment experts for advice.

Equipment Financing for Your New Heating System

Westmore partners with the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) to provide financing so our customers can take full advantage of the equipment upgrades we offer.
NEIF provides loan lengths of three, five or 10 years on its EnergyPlus financing for qualifying purchases with NEIF-approved contractors like Westmore Fuel. NEIF does not run credit reports, so your credit will not be affected in any way. Read more about financing through NEIF.

Heating Oil Service in Stamford, CT and Beyond

From Greenwich, Darien, Stamford and Port Chester to Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, White Plains and surrounding communities, Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our heating oil customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938.

Contact us today to become a Westmore Fuel customer and get all that you want and need for your home comfort.

Is a Boiler an Efficient Way to Heat a House?

How a Heating Oil Boiler Works

boiler Greenwich, CT A heating oil boiler is not only an efficient way to heat your home, it’s a comfortable way to do it also. Many homeowners prefer hot water heating to warm air systems like furnaces because the heat that boilers create does not dry out the air.

Plus, the heat generated by your boiler, also known as a hydronic heating system, can also be used to heat water in your home. This creates an efficient two-in-one space and water heating solution. Heated water is stored in a separate tank that’s connected to the boiler for later use.

How a Heating Oil Boiler Works

Steam boilers can still be found in older homes in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. If you have this type of system, your boiler stays true to its name because it needs to boil water to make steam before your heat can be distributed through your home.

In comparison, newer boilers do not need to boil the water to make steam. Instead, they use hot water to distribute heat through a home’s piping. The heat is distributed through your home by either radiators or baseboards.

Because a boiler is a closed-loop system, water does not need to be constantly brought in or replaced, making it more efficient.
Some of the key components of a heating oil boiler include:

  • a burner, where the heating oil is ignited in the combustion chamber.
  • a heat exchanger, which allows heat to be exchanged between two substances (in this case, fuel oil and water) while not allowing the two substances to mix.
  • Circulator pumps, which push the hot water from the boiler into the piping. A steam boiler doesn’t require a circulator pump because it doesn’t need to be pushed into the piping. It rises to the pipes naturally.
  • Piping, which includes supply lines to deliver the heated water (or steam) to the radiators. When the water cools or the steam turns back into water, return lines bring the water back to the boiler for re-heating.

How Do I Know When to Replace My Boiler?

While the average boiler will last about 20-25 years—as long as a proper maintenance schedule has been followed–there are many home boilers out there that are even older than that. And while they may still be keeping homes warm enough, their efficiency rate is much lower than a new hot water boiler, which means you are using more fuel to generate heat.

Besides age, other signs that your boiler may be wearing out include signs of corrosion, frequent breakdowns, and expensive repairs.

Westmore Fuel has heating system options for every home and budget. We often install the System 2000 boiler from Energy Kinetics, the most efficient and versatile integrated heat and hot water system. Some of our customers have enjoyed annual savings of up to 40% after they upgraded to the System 2000. Plus, their homes stay warm and toasty no matter how low the outdoor temperatures fall.

Equipment Financing for Your New Heating System

Westmore partners with the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) to provide financing so our customers can take full advantage of the equipment upgrades we offer.
NEIF provides loan lengths of three, five or 10 years on its EnergyPlus financing for qualifying purchases with NEIF-approved contractors like Westmore Fuel. NEIF does not run credit reports, so your credit will not be affected in any way. Read more about financing through NEIF.

Heating Oil Service in Greenwich, CT and Beyond

From Greenwich, Darien, Stamford and Port Chester to Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, White Plains and surrounding communities, Westmore Fuel has been taking care of our heating oil customers in New York and Connecticut since 1938.

Contact us today to become a Westmore Fuel customer and get all that you want and need for your home comfort.