What to Do if You Run Out of Heating Oil: Immediate Steps & Prevention Strategies

Waking up to a cold house in the middle of a Delaware County winter isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s downright stressful. If your heat suddenly stops working and you rely on heating oil, there’s a chance you’ve run out. It happens, especially during unexpected cold snaps or busy weeks when checking the tank slips your mind.

We at Boyle Energy understand how frustrating this can be, and we’re here to help. Whether it’s in Havertown, West Chester or Wayne, here is what to do if you run out of heating oil and some tips on how not to let that happen again. Whether you’re in Havertown, Broomall, or Drexel Hill, here’s what to do if you run out of heating oil plus smart tips to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Actually Out of Home Heating Oil

But don’t panic;  take a quick look. But there are times when what gets interpreted as a fuel tank that’s run dry isn’t necessarily.

• Look at the gauge on your oil tank. If the needle is below 1/8 or sitting at “E”, chances are you’re out (or very close).
• If the gauge has ceased to work or hasn’t moved in some time, tap on the tank with a gentle hand: sometimes the float gets stuck.
• Still not sure? Try bleeding the furnace line. No fuel means air comes out. Or just call us and we’ll walk you through it.

Pro tip: Just because the heat’s off doesn’t always mean you’ve ran out of heating oil. It could be a tripped breaker, thermostat issue, or ignition failure. Checking helps avoid unnecessary stress.

Step 2: Call Your Heating Oil Supplier ASAP

If your tank is empty (or close), call your local supplier immediately. In the Havertown area, that’s us – Boyle Energy. We’ve been delivering heating oil in Havertown PA for many years, and we know how soon things can escalate once the temperature goes down.

Even if we can’t get there the same day, we will walk you through some safe interim measures while we make arrangements for another delivery.

Step 3: Add Diesel or Kerosene as a Quick Fix  (If Needed)

If it’s freezing and help is hours away, there’s a safe short-term fix:
You can temporarily substitute diesel or kerosene in your oil tank.

Here’s how:

1. Grab a clean, fuel-safe container and head to a gas station.
2. Add 5–10 gallons of regular diesel fuel (it’s almost identical to heating oil).
3. Pour it into the fill pipe of your oil tank, not the vent pipe.
4. Restart your furnace (you may need to press the reset button on the burner once).

This method can give your system enough fuel to run for 8–12 hours, long enough for a delivery.

Important: Never use gasoline or any other fuel. Stick to diesel or kerosene and only use it temporarily.

Step 4: Restart the Furnace (If It Shut Down)

If your furnace shut down due to running out of oil, it may need a reset. Most oil burners have a small red button on the front. Press it once to try restarting.

If it doesn’t start after 1-2 attempts, stop trying and call a professional. You may need the system to be bled (to remove air from the fuel line), which should be done by a technician.

Don’t force it, multiple resets can flood the burner and make things worse.

Step 5: Stay Warm While You Wait

While your system’s down and you’re waiting for fuel, here are a few ways to stay warm:

• Use space heaters, safely, and never leave them unattended.
• Close doors to unused rooms.
• Pile on blankets, socks, and layers.
• Let sunlight in during the day; even winter sun adds heat!
• Cook warm meals. Your oven adds ambient heat.

What Happens When You Run Out of Heating Oil?

Aside from losing heat, running your tank dry can cause:

• Clogged filters : sludge or debris from the bottom of the tank can get sucked into the fuel line
• System damage : air in the lines stresses the burner and may lead to repairs
• Increased service needs : bleeding the line, replacing filters, resetting the system

A single empty tank can lead to a few hundred dollars in repairs. That’s why prevention matters just as much as the emergency fix.

How to Prevent Running Out of Oil Again

Running out of oil once is an inconvenience. Doing it twice? That’s a headache. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game:

1. Sign Up for Automatic Delivery

With Boyle Energy’s automatic delivery, we monitor your usage and schedule deliveries before you run out, so you don’t have to think about it.

It’s especially helpful in unpredictable weather or if your usage varies week to week.

2. Install a Tank Monitor

Smart tank monitors keep track of your oil levels and can send alerts to your phone, or directly to us. If levels drop below a certain point, we schedule a delivery.

It’s perfect for second homes or busy households.

3. Keep an Eye on Usage During Cold Snaps

If we’re heading into a stretch of below-freezing temps, check your tank more often. Furnaces burn more oil when they’re working harder — and tanks can drain faster than usual.

If you’re ever unsure, checking heating oil prices in Delaware County during peak season can help you time your fill-ups smarter. Ensure your home stays warm with Boyle Energy’s trusted heating oil delivery. Call us now at 610-347-5197 to schedule your delivery and stay comfortable all season long!

4. Clear a Path to the Fill Pipe

After a snowstorm, make sure your fill pipe is accessible. If we can’t get to it, we can’t fill it. Shovel a clear path and mark the location with a flag if it’s buried.

Serving Homes That Use Heating Oil in Havertown, PA

Boyle Energy has been delivering heating oil in Havertown PA for decades. We know the area, the homes, and how critical heat is during our winters. If you’ve run out, or think you’re close, give us a call. We’ll prioritize emergency deliveries and help restart your system if needed.

Looking for options beyond Havertown? Unlike some oil companies in Philadelphia that only deliver, we also provide full-service HVAC care, so your heat, comfort, and safety are covered from tank to thermostat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell how much heating oil is left in my tank?

Most heating oil tanks have a gauge that provides an approximate indication of the remaining fuel level. Because the gauge is not always precise, homeowners should monitor it regularly during periods of heavy heating use rather than waiting until the tank is nearly empty.

2. How long does a tank of heating oil usually last?

There is no fixed number of days because consumption depends on factors such as outdoor temperature, home size, insulation, thermostat settings, furnace efficiency, and how frequently the heating system operates. Oil can be consumed significantly faster during extended periods of freezing weather.

3. How much heating oil should I keep in my tank during winter?

It is best not to let the tank reach an extremely low level during the heating season. Keeping a reasonable reserve gives you more time to arrange a delivery during cold weather, weekends, or periods of high demand.

4. What should I do after my heating oil tank has been refilled?

If your heating system stopped because the tank ran empty, it may not restart immediately after the delivery. Air can enter the fuel line when the system runs out of oil, and the burner may require professional bleeding or service before it operates normally again.

5. Why won’t my furnace start after I get a heating oil delivery?

A furnace may fail to restart after an empty tank because air has entered the fuel line, the fuel filter has become clogged, or the burner needs to be serviced. If the system does not restart after following the manufacturer’s normal startup procedure, a qualified technician should inspect it rather than repeatedly pressing the reset button.

6. Can running out of heating oil cause my pipes to freeze?

Yes. When an oil-fired heating system stops operating during freezing weather, indoor temperatures can fall enough to put plumbing at risk. This is particularly concerning in poorly insulated areas, exterior walls, basements, and other locations where pipes are exposed to colder temperatures.

7. How often should I check my heating oil tank in winter?

Check the tank more frequently during periods of unusually cold weather or when your heating system is running for longer periods. A regular weekly check can help you identify a declining fuel level early enough to arrange a delivery.

8. What is the difference between automatic heating oil delivery and will-call delivery?

With automatic delivery, your supplier estimates your fuel usage and schedules deliveries before your supply becomes critically low. With will-call delivery, you are responsible for monitoring your tank and requesting fuel when you need it. Automatic delivery can be particularly convenient for homeowners who do not want to track their oil level manually.

9. Can an old heating oil tank cause problems if it repeatedly runs empty?

Repeatedly allowing a tank to run completely empty can increase the likelihood of service issues, particularly if sediment or debris is drawn into the fuel system. An older tank may also require inspection for corrosion, leaks, or other signs of deterioration. If your tank is aging or showing signs of damage, have it professionally evaluated.

10. When should I schedule my heating oil delivery during winter?

Do not wait until the tank is nearly empty. Scheduling delivery when you still have a reasonable amount of fuel gives the supplier more time to accommodate your request and reduces the risk of losing heat during a cold spell. Planning ahead is especially important before periods of severe winter weather or increased heating demand.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This (And We’ve Got You)

Running out of oil is no fun, but it’s fixable. With the right steps, a little diesel (if needed), and a quick call to Boyle Energy, you’ll be warm again in no time.

And better yet, we’ll help you put a plan in place so it doesn’t happen again.

📞 Call Boyle Energy at 610‑347‑5197 for heating oil delivery, emergency service, or to learn about automatic delivery options.

Stay warm, stay safe and let us take care of the rest.