Posted: June 23, 2025

How to Check Heating Oil Levels

Keeping track of your heating oil tank supply is easy — and we can help!

It might be summer, but there’s no better time to start thinking about your heating oil tank. While a chilly New England winter may feel far away, what happens inside your tank during the warmer months can have lasting effects on your heating system. A tank left under one-third full during summer is vulnerable to condensation build-up, which can lead to sludge formation and internal corrosion over time. These issues can not only damage your tank but also impact the quality of your heating oil when winter arrives.

Read on to learn more about checking your tank’s oil levels and how Frank Lamparelli can make keeping your tank ready for winter easier than ever.

What is Heating Oil?

Heating oil is a refined product derived from crude oil, and it’s been keeping homes warm for decades. At Frank Lamparelli, we go a step further by delivering Bioheat® fuel, an innovative blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and up to 20% biofuel. Not only is Bioheat fuel cleaner-burning and more eco-friendly, but it also improves heating efficiency and reduces wear on your heating equipment.

Are you worried about ordering heating oil now and storing it until winter? No need! Heating oil has an excellent shelf life when stored properly, so a summer fuel delivery will be good to go during those cold months. Consider it an investment in future comfort and peace of mind.

How Do You Check Your Heating Oil Tank Level?

Keeping an eye on your heating oil levels ensures you’re not caught off guard when the colder months roll around. Checking your tank is easier than you think! Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Locate the Tank Gauge — Most heating oil tanks include a gauge on top, usually a glass or plastic tube. You’ll often see markings like F (Full), ¾, ½, ¼ and E (Empty), accompanied by a red float to signal the current oil level.
2. Test the Gauge’s Accuracy — To ensure your gauge is working properly, remove its casing and gently press down on the float. If it bounces back to its original position, the gauge is functioning correctly. If it doesn’t, the gauge might need servicing.
3. Read the Level – Read the gauge as you would a car’s fuel gauge. If the marker shows a level near ¼ or less, it’s time to order a refill.
4. Be Proactive – If you’d prefer to avoid frequent manual checks, consider signing up for an automatic delivery service. (More on that below!)

Simplify Your Life with Automatic Delivery from Frank Lamparelli

Life gets busy — checking your oil levels regularly may easily slip your mind. That’s where Frank Lamparelli’s automatic delivery service comes in. Our team takes the pressure off you by monitoring your heating oil usage and weather forecasts to predict when you’ll need a refill. Whether you’re in Franklin or anywhere across the South Shore, Frank Lamparelli provides reliable, professional delivery you can trust.

Sign up for automatic delivery today and enjoy top-notch service, cleaner-burning Bioheat fuel and peace of mind that lasts through every season.