Fifty gallons of heating oil typically lasts about 30 to 60 days, depending on your home’s size, insulation, and heating needs.
50 gallons of heating oil typically lasts 1-2 months, but this depends on factors like home size, insulation, thermostat settings, and outdoor temperatures. Smaller homes may stretch 50 gallons further, while larger or poorly insulated homes may burn through it faster.
Key Factors That Affect Heating Oil Consumption
1. Outdoor Temperature
Cold weather dramatically increases oil consumption. At 40°F, a typical 1,800 sq ft home uses about 3.7 gallons daily. At 20°F, usage jumps to 5.9 gallons daily.
| Outdoor Temperature | Daily Usage (1,800 sq ft home) | 50 Gallon Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 40°F | 3.7 gallons | 13.5 days |
| 30°F | 4.8 gallons | 10.4 days |
| 20°F | 5.9 gallons | 8.5 days |
2. Home Size and Insulation
Larger homes consume more oil. A 3,000 sq ft home may use 50% more than a 1,500 sq ft home. Poor insulation can double consumption. Consider upgrading your thermostat for better efficiency.
3. Thermostat Settings
Each degree above 68°F increases consumption by 3%. At 72°F, you’ll burn through 50 gallons 12% faster than at 68°F.
4. Heating System Efficiency
Newer systems (80%+ AFUE) use 15-25% less oil than older models. Regular maintenance is crucial – a dirty system can waste 10% more fuel.
Calculating Your Specific Usage
Simple Calculation Method
Track your usage over a week to estimate:
- Note starting oil level
- Record outdoor temperatures
- Check oil level after 7 days
- Divide weekly use by 7 for daily average
Example Calculation
If you use 20 gallons in a week with average 35°F temperatures:
- Daily use: ~2.85 gallons
- 50 gallons would last ~17.5 days
Extending Your Heating Oil Supply
Efficiency Tips
To make 50 gallons last longer:
- Lower thermostat at night (65°F)
- Seal drafts around windows/doors
- Use supplemental heating in frequently used rooms
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance
When to Order More Oil
Don’t wait until empty. Most providers recommend ordering at 1/4 tank (about 68 gallons in a 275-gallon tank). This prevents emergency situations and potential fuel line issues.
Heating Oil Shelf Life
While consumption is the main concern, heating oil typically remains usable for 18-24 months when stored properly. Additives can extend this to 36 months. Water contamination is the primary degradation factor.
Regional Considerations
In colder regions like New England, 50 gallons may last just 2-3 weeks in January. In milder areas like the Mid-Atlantic, it could last 4-6 weeks. Always monitor your tank gauge during cold snaps.
Emergency Planning
Keep these numbers handy for quick reference during outages:
- At 0°F: 50 gallons lasts ~5 days (10 gal/day)
- At 20°F: ~8 days (6 gal/day)
- At 40°F: ~14 days (3.5 gal/day)
For more information on efficient heating solutions, check out this Department of Energy guide on furnace efficiency.
