If you’ve been surprised by how quickly your oil tank is dropping this winter, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Lancaster County have been asking the same question:
“Why am I going through so much more heating oil than usual?”
The short answer is simple: this winter has been unusually and persistently cold.
A Record-Breaking Cold Stretch
January brought one of the longest sustained cold periods we’ve seen in years. Instead of brief cold snaps, we experienced extended stretches of below-freezing temperatures, multiple nights in the single digits, and daytime highs that struggled to climb out of the 20s.
When temperatures stay that low for that long, your heating system doesn’t get much of a break. Even if your thermostat settings never changed, your furnace or boiler likely ran longer cycles and turned on more frequently just to keep your home comfortable.
More runtime means more fuel used. It’s that straightforward.
Cold Weather Increases Oil Usage Faster Than You Think
Heating oil usage doesn’t increase gradually as temperatures drop—it increases sharply.
- Around 40°F, your system cycles on and off periodically
- At 20°F, it runs for much longer stretches
- In the teens or single digits, your system may run almost continuously
That prolonged January cold spell significantly increased overall fuel demand throughout the region.
Higher Energy Prices Add to the Impact
It’s also important to remember that this isn’t just affecting heating oil. Natural gas, propane, and electricity have all seen higher energy costs compared to previous years.
Many households are feeling a double impact:
- Using more fuel due to colder weather
- Paying more per unit of energy at the same time
That combination makes winter heating costs feel especially noticeable.
Is Something Wrong With My Heating System?
In most cases, no. If your home is staying warm and your system is operating normally, increased oil usage is likely weather-related.
That said, a few factors can contribute to higher consumption:
- Older or insufficient insulation
- Drafty windows and doors
- Higher thermostat settings
- A system that hasn’t been serviced recently
Routine maintenance helps ensure your burner is operating as efficiently as possible—especially during extreme cold.
Managing Costs With a Monthly Budget Plan
One of the best ways to reduce the stress of higher winter heating bills is to spread costs evenly throughout the year.
At Reitz Oil Company, we offer monthly budget plans that allow for consistent, predictable payments instead of large spikes during the coldest months. Budget plans don’t reduce how much fuel you use—but they do make it easier to manage household cash flow during winters like this one.
Instead of seasonal surprises, you get stability and peace of mind.
We’re Here to Help
We live and work right here in Lancaster County, and we understand how this winter has affected families across the community.
If you have questions about your oil usage, want to review your delivery schedule, or would like to learn more about setting up a monthly heating oil budget, we’re here to help. Our goal is simple: reliable delivery, fair pricing, and honest answers.
If you’re concerned, give us a call. We’ll walk through it together.
Stay warm—spring is on the way.
— The Reitz Oil Company Team