What is automatic delivery and how does it work?
Automatic delivery is a service we provide to insure you do not run out of heating oil when you need it most. As an automatic delivery customer, we use an algorithm to monitor your usage, so you don’t have to. Our calculations are based on three factors.
- Heating Degree Day (HDD): This is a measurement that reflects how much energy is needed to heat a building based on the outside air temperature. The Degree Day will change daily, therefore our estimation of the number of days that can lapse between your deliveries will also change daily. This is a moving target, but it works really well!
- Past usage and tank size: We also use data from previous deliveries and gallons received to determine customer usage habits. For example, someone who works from home all day, will have different usage than someone who leaves the thermostat at a lower temperature while they are gone for the day.
- Insulation and efficiency: Every house is different. Older homes with poor insulation and inefficient furnaces will use more fuel than a neighbor with a new house and updated equipment.
What is the difference between automatic delivery and will call?
The difference is that with automatic delivery we monitor your usage, with will call, you monitor your usage. Most people have the best intentions, but you either need to measure your tank very often, or you need to have nearly perfect timing. Most will call run outs happen in the middle of winter during the coldest, busiest time of year for all heating oil companies.
Is there a benefit to automatic delivery?
The biggest advantage to automatic delivery is that you can be assured that you will not run out of heating oil when you need it the most. If you are on will call, and you run out of heating oil, your furnace will shut down. Often during the winter, it will take any heating oil company a few days to deliver. Once you receive the fuel, you will also have to pay for a service technician to restart your furnace. If this happens on a weekend or over a holiday, you will likely pay overtime rates. The bottom line is that automatic delivery will not only save you a headache, but it will potentially save you money.
How often will I get a bill if I am on automatic delivery?
When our calculations determine that your tank is at about 60%, we will schedule a delivery. Once the delivery is made, your account will be charged for the fuel delivered. We do have several payment plans if you would like to spread the payments out over a period of time or into equal amounts.
How do I get started with automatic delivery?
Just contact us! It’s as easy as flipping a switch. In King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties call Genesee Energy @ 206-722-1545. In Kitsap, Jefferson, Mason, Clallam and Pierce Counties call Cooper Fuel @ 360-377-4100.
