How low can I let the oil go?

When we bought the house on Fri we paid the owners for the rest of the tank of oil.

I looked at the the gauge yesterday and its at 3/8 full

We are pricing companies this week...how long should I expect that much oil to last? (We are not living there yet and set the thermostat at 62)

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

It really depends on how cold it gets. Since it's supposed to be pretty warm this week I wouldn't be overly concerned. How big is your tank? I have a 275 tank and I've gone less than 1/4. The most I took at once was 230 gallons. I wouldn't let it get too low, though, b/c then it's using sludge and there could be an issue with the heat going out and the oil company having to "reboot" the burner (I have no idea what the correct term is ).

Also, if you're not living there yet I'd set the thermostat lower, like 58 or even 55.

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

not below 1/4. Keep your stat at 60..if it gets really cold you don't want to freeze your pipes.

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

But since this week is warm...you probably wouldn't have to keep it at 60

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

I agree with not letting it go below a 1/4. Sometimes there is residue in the bottom of the tank, you don't want that sucking in to your lines.
It should take several weeks to use a 1/2 tank at 62.

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

We never let ours go below 1/4 of a tank.

Re: How low can I let the oil go?

Thanks ladies...I guess I need to get on this ASAP.... Im just terrified of what prices I'm going to see after reading all these oil threads