Start with your home size and insulation

A rough rule of thumb:

  • Poorly insulated home: ~7–10 gallons of oil per 1,000 sq. ft. per day in very cold weather

  • Average insulation: ~5–7 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. per day

  • Well-insulated or newer home: ~3–5 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. per day

Example:
A 2,000 sq. ft. well-insulated home may use around 4 gallons/day, or roughly 480–600 gallons over a 5-month winter.