Automatic vs. Will-Call Heating Oil Delivery: Which Is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to heating your home in Loudoun County, Fairfax, Jefferson County, WV, and surrounding areas, choosing how you receive your heating oil is just as important as choosing your provider. At Valley Energy, we offer two convenient delivery options: Automatic Delivery and Will-Call Delivery.

What Does Automatic Delivery Mean?

With automatic delivery, you don’t have to keep track of your tank level or call each time you need heating oil. Valley Energy uses an advanced degree-day system that tracks outdoor temperatures and fuel usage patterns. Based on this data, we schedule a delivery when your tank reaches about ¼ full.

This option provides:

• Fewer worries about monitoring your gauge
• Priority scheduling during high-demand seasons
• Convenience for busy families who prefer proactive service

What Does Will-Call Delivery Mean?

If you’re a will-call customer, you are responsible for monitoring your oil tank gauge and contacting us when it reaches ¼ full. Please allow at least 3 business days for delivery, excluding weekends and holidays. For efficiency, we recommend ordering 150 gallons or more at a time.

You can place your order online or by phone, but keep in mind that automatic delivery customers are scheduled first during peak winter months.

How to Read Your Heating Oil Tank Gauge

Most above-ground or basement tanks come with a gauge that makes it easy to see your oil level.

• Look at the plastic gauge on the top of your tank.
• Inside, you’ll see a floating disc that lines up with tick marks labeled Full, ¾, ½, ¼, and Empty.
• When the gauge reaches ¼, it’s time to order.

If you have an underground tank or a tank without a gauge, automatic delivery is highly recommended so you don’t risk a runout.

What Happens If You Run Out of Heating Oil?

If your home runs out of heating oil, your furnace requires a prime and start. Additional fees may apply for a prime and start to be performed. 

Automatic delivery reduces the chance of this situation by scheduling fills before your tank drops too low. Will-call customers can avoid runouts by ordering at the ¼ mark and considering outdoor temperatures and fuel usage.

Weather Matters: Cold Days Use More Oil

If your gauge shows ¼ tank in the winter, don’t wait. Cold and windy days, thermostat settings, insulation, and system efficiency all affect how quickly you use heating oil. During peak heating season in Loudoun, Fairfax, Clarke, Warren, and Jefferson Counties, demand is higher and delivery schedules fill quickly. Ordering early ensures you stay warm without delays.