Heating oil delivery companies offer fuel to residential customers to heat their homes through automatic or on-demand delivery. Some bundle this service with maintenance and repair services to keep your heating system in excellent condition year-round. There are many heating oil delivery companies serving Harrisburg, PA, and surrounding areas. When narrowing down your top picks, consider affordability and reliability, mainly due to the national rise in energy costs and dynamic oil prices.
Finding Affordable Heating Oil Delivery Companies
The Harrisburg, PA, region sees winter temperatures between 24°F and 60°F, so it’s crucial to select a business you trust to keep your home warm all season long. When searching for the best heating oil prices in Harrisburg, PA, consider:
- Price transparency: Are prices regularly updated to reflect current market prices? Be wary of hidden fees or surcharges.
- Delivery reliability: How soon will the heating oil be delivered, and what will happen if operations are delayed?
- Customer reviews: Are reviews generally positive? Consider asking around for local recommendations, as well as about referral discounts.
Most heating oil providers accept payment through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can help eligible low-income households in PA with their home energy bills.
Types of Heating Oil Deliveries
There are several ways to manage your residential property’s heating oil supply. As you explore your options, consider which is right for you.
Automatic
Automatic deliveries can be scheduled based on your usage patterns and the local weather. This can be convenient and reduce the risk of run-outs, which is ideal for busy families. Most automatic delivery programs have price protection plans to keep costs stable.
On-Demand
On-demand — also referred to as will-call — deliveries allow homeowners to monitor their oil usage and order new oil as necessary. This gives them increased control over their deliveries, and ordering when costs are low can help them save money. If you can carefully monitor your house’s oil tank gauge and predict when it will run low, then on-demand delivery may be a good fit.
Emergency
If you run out of heating oil, emergency deliveries can quickly get you the fuel you need. They may require additional fees, especially for new customers. The best way to avoid this extra cost is to plan your oil deliveries proactively, whether automatic or on-demand.
Top 5 Most Affordable Heating Oil Delivery Companies Near Harrisburg, PA
Save money on heating oil near you. Discover five highly rated companies and what sets them apart, from delivery speed to customer support.
1. Marstellar Oil and Concrete
Get quality services that meet your budget with Marstellar Oil and Concrete. This locally owned, independent heating oil provider purchases fuel in bulk to pass the savings along to its customers in central PA. The price depends on your zipcode, the quantity required and market prices, all of which you can find before placing your order through Marsteller Oil and Concrete’s real-time online ordering platform.
Marstellar Oil and Concrete is often praised for quick turnaround times. Fuel orders arrive in about two business days, and the company also offers urgent same-day delivery services in the event of an emergency.
Customer Testimony
“We’ve been using Marstellar Oil since 2007 and they have always been courteous, respectful and always on time. They’ve never overcharged and always given me the best price. Thank you Marstellar.” – Ken Shope
2. Best Price Oil
It’s simple to order heating oil with Best Price Oil — an on-demand oil provider based in Harrisburg. Fuel deliveries typically arrive by the end of the following business day, and emergency deliveries are available to fill an empty tank. Best Price Oil has a 100-gallon minimum and no delivery fees.
Your heating oil price doesn’t change after you place your order, even if oil prices rise, and new customers can get 10 cents off per gallon. However, Best Price Oil does not offer automatic delivery.
Customer Testimony
“Absolutely incredible. I was without heat for two days waiting on another provider but they wouldn’t fill me up because we had a smaller venting pipe than they require. Reaching out to Best Price Oil and their team ran my ticket immediately to dispatch and had the order filled the same day. Our cats and puppy heartily give them a five paw review.” – Jacob Tanzer
3. ABC Fuel Oil Co. Inc
ABC Fuel Oil Co. Inc. is family-owned and locally operated, and it offers convenient delivery and free estimates to residents in the greater Harrisburg area. Its most popular product is number 2 home heating oil, which is diesel fuel dyed red to avoid confusion with motor fuel. Orders must be at least 100 gallons.
The enterprise’s prices are competitive and transparent. To make heating more accessible, ABC Fuel Oil Co. Inc. gives senior citizens a discount on their heating oil delivery, and current customers can enjoy same-day delivery.
Customer Testimony
“The people at ABC are friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Their work is excellent and their prices are very reasonable. They’re only a phone call away, day or night. I’ve dealt with them through three homes and 50 plus years.” – Melanie Withers
4. Capitol City Oil
Capitol City Oil is another solid option for reliable and easy heating oil delivery. Oil delivery takes three to five business days, and residential orders must be at least 100 gallons. Although oil costs can vary, the price is locked as soon as you place your order to avoid surprises. Capitol City Oil’s customer service team is often praised for prompt and friendly support, no matter which service they perform.
Additionally, it partners with local HVAC experts to offer an affordable Saver Plan that improves your system’s energy efficiency and lifespan. As a member, you’ll receive 24/7/365 priority services.
Customer Testimony
“Long time customer for a reason. In addition to oil delivery, I also had them install my new furnace and oil tank. Never an issue and the new online ordering is even easier. 5 stars all the way.” – Jerry Adams
5. Shipley Energy
Shipley Energy serves Pennsylvania and Maryland residents, bringing heating oil right to their doors. It purchases oil when market prices are below and passes the savings on to customers. Based on their needs, customers can choose from automatic, on-demand or emergency delivery.
If you refer a friend to Shipley Energy, you both can earn credit toward a future fuel delivery. Consistent monthly billing lets you pay for your heating oil delivery bill over the year rather than all at once, making payment more budget-friendly.
Customer Testimony
“The tech arrived on time was very courteous and completed his tasks with no issues… Everything was cleaned up after he was finished and we said our goodbyes. Couldn’t have asked for a better job.” – Judith Schaeffer
Comparison of the Five Heating Oil Delivery Providers
| Company | Established since | Minimum volume | Automatic delivery? | On-deman delivery? | Emergency delivery? | Accepts payment through LIHEAP? | Standout feature |
| Marstellar Oil and Concrete | 1977 | 50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Personalized service |
| Best Price Oil | 1977 | 100 | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Upfront pricing |
| ABC Fuel Oil Co. Inc | 1962 | 100 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Long-term customer relationships |
| Capitol City Oil | 1960 | 100 | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | Bundled HVAC services |
| Shipley Energy | 1929 | 500 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Flexible payment plans |
Tips for Saving Money on Heating Oil
While these five enterprises offer affordable services, there are even more ways for you to save. If feasible, consider purchasing heating oil for your home during the off-season. Oil tends to cost more during the winter months due to a rise in demand, so plan ahead to top off your tank. Some companies offer loyalty programs or other promotions to help new or current customers save money on heating oil year-round.
Preventive maintenance is crucial for many home systems to avoid unexpected costs later on, so it’s important to maintain your system for maximum efficiency. This includes scheduling annual tuneups, regularly changing the oil filter and promptly addressing signs of deterioration. An efficient system can also burn less fuel because it’s operating better. Your heating oil delivery provider may provide maintenance services.
Homeowners may even consider installing a smart thermostat to avoid excessive heating better — even turning the thermostat down a few degrees can reduce a homeowner’s heating bill. Try lowering the heat overnight or before you leave the house for an extended period of time, and close vents in unused rooms. Additionally, homeowners should prioritize proper insulation and seal any air leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heating Oil Delivery
Stay informed about heating oil. Below are answers to general inquiries regarding the service. You should contact your heating oil delivery provider of choice if you have specific questions about their offerings.
How often should I order?
Order heating oil when your tank is a quarter full or less. Monitor your tank level regularly and consider automatic delivery to avoid delays. Most fuel delivery providers require a 100-gallon minimum, which can heat a house for up to a week. The most you can order at a time for residential properties is typically 5,000 gallons.
What affects heating oil prices?
Several factors impact heating oil prices. Demand is highest from October to March, and crude oil costs are dynamic. Areas with multiple heating oil delivery businesses may experience better prices and discounts as they compete with one another.
How do you read an oil tank gauge?
The gauge is typically located on the top of the oil tank. A needle indicates the percentage of oil remaining in the tank by marking F for Full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 and E for Empty — similar to a car’s fuel gauge.
Most providers recommend filling a heater oil tank before it’s under 1/4 full. Keep an eye on the indicator, especially when your household is consuming more energy than usual.
Why does my house need a lot of heating oil?
There are several reasons why your house may be consuming more heating oil:
- Size and occupants:A large house requires more oil and energy to heat. Likewise, more people using the home’s amenities means more heating consumption.
- Thermostat use: Setting your thermostat to higher temperatures makes it work harder to provide more heat. During winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake in the home to balance comfort and efficiency.
- Thermal insulation: Insulated houses better retain heat inside, keeping them warmer in the winter. Exterior walls, attics, basements, floors and crawl spaces should all be thermally insulated.
- System efficiency:Keeping your heating system in optimal condition or upgrading it to a newer system may help lower heating expenses.
- Local temperatures: Houses in areas with colder weather often use more heating oil throughout the year than in warmer climates.
Do you need to be home when heating oil is delivered?
No – generally, most companies don’t require someone to be home when they deliver heating oil, especially in the case of automatic deliveries. However, someone must be present if you intend to pay with cash or check rather than online.
Whether you are home or away during the service, always ensure your fill pipe is accessible to the oil delivery technicians. This includes clearing snow, ice or other obstructions.
Are there eco-friendly options?
The most eco-friendly heating oil options on the market are biodiesel blends. These combine traditional oil with a renewable fuel derived from animal fats, vegetable oils or recycled cooking grease. Biodiesel is more environmentally friendly without sacrificing high performance but is more widely available to commercial properties.
Choosing the Right Heating Oil Delivery Service for Your Home
Affordable heating oil delivery companies are essential for staying warm during colder months and keeping your heating system in good condition. These five offer exceptional services, transparent prices and many years of experience. Reach out for quotes and read trustworthy customer reviews to compare your options thoroughly. Your ideal heating oil delivery entity is based on your unique needs and preferences.
