Facts on Fuel - Heating Oil

8.5 million American households, mostly in the Northeastern states, rely on heating oil to keep warm in winter.  Crude oil is the source of a number of important fuels, including gasoline, heating oil and diesel. Because these fuels all have the same starting point, refineries must decide what to produce when, based on a mix of supply and demand calculations.

Heating Oil Prices are Linked to Crude Oil Prices
Heating oil prices are linked to crude oil prices. Crude oil is the source of a number of important fuels, including gasoline, heating oil and diesel. Because these fuels all have the same starting point, refineries must decide what to produce when, based on a mix of supply and demand calculations. The price a refiner pays for crude oil is the chief factor determining the cost of home heating oil to the consumer. The most recent crude and heating oil price information can be found in the U.S. Distillate Fuel Report, which is updated weekly.

Refining Decisions Affect Heating Oil Supply
Refineries generally try to produce as much gasoline as possible to meet the needs of our nation's growing economy. Most heating oil production takes place in the winter months, when demand is highest and the summer driving season is over, which slightly reduces demand for gasoline. Additional heating oil is produced and stored during the summer and fall in an effort to ensure there is enough heating oil to meet consumer demand.

Consumers and heating oil
Ever wonder where heating oil comes from? Or why prices fluctuate? Or even how you can help to lower your heating oil bills? Residential Heating Oil Prices: What Consumers Should Know by the U.S. Department of Energy helps answer some of those questions.

Help paying heating bills
You may be able to get financial aid to help pay your heating bills this winter.  The federal LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) gives money to states to help qualifying families pay their heating bills.

Oil Heat is Cleaner Than Ever
Oil heat has always provided a winning combination: high efficiency and low emissions. Now the latest in oil-fueled home heating systems are nearing zero emissions for smoke and combustion discharge. That means you get the most for your heating fuel money while helping to ensure cleaner air for your family, your community and generations to come.

Home Heating Oil and the Environment
Here's a quick look at the environmental performance of today's high-efficiency home heating oil systems.

• Residential oil burners produce less than one-third of one percent (.003) of total particulate emissions in the United States.
• The emissions from a home heating oil are about the same as those from a similar-size gas burner.
• New oil heating systems boast energy efficiency ratings ranging from 83 to 94 percent.