Consumer Tips
In our continual effort to always provide you with the ultimate in customer service, James Devaney Fuel Company wants to furnish you with some helpful energy tips and advice so you can take full advantage of all the creature comforts of your home.
And when we say "full advantage", we mean it! Spring, summer, fall and winter, Devaney is here for you 'round-the-clock. With each change of season, we'll provide you with handy hints to make your home less cold during the winter and cooler during the summer.
Please click on the links listed below to learn how you can become a more informed consumer.
Benefits of Oilheat | Benefits of Upgrading | Energy FAQ'sBenefits of Oilheat
Safety, efficiency, economy, reliability and security - that's today's Oilheat!
Oilheat is economical. Oilheat has been a better buy than gas heat for the majority of the past 20 winters. Plus, competition among local Oilheat companies helps to ensure a better value.
Oilheat is efficient. Thanks to major advancements being made in Oilheat burner technology, some Oilheat systems now boast efficiency ratings of over 90%! Another fact is that modern Oilheat equipment actually burns less fuel. The average annual fuel consumption in 1973 was 1,294 gallons; in 2001 it was 800 gallons!
Oilheat has minimal impact on the environment. The environmental impact from using Oilheat is much lower than the alternatives, especially electric heat and wood. The air pollution emissions from oil burners are insignificant, and oil storage tanks do not pose a threat to the environment because Oilheat is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable.
Oilheat is clean. Today's Oilheat burns 95% cleaner than before. In fact, according to Brookhaven National Laboratory Report Number 52249, entitled "Emissions Characteristics of Modern Oil Heating Equipment," the technological improvements in combustion equipment have reduced total emissions to the environment by 68 million tons a year.
Oilheat is safe and non-explosive. It will not burn in a liquid state. In order to light heating oil on fire, you must heat it above 140 degrees, the temperature at which it begins to vaporize. In contrast, when natural gas or propane leaks, even at room temperatures, an explosive mixture of air and fuel forms rapidly. Moreover, Oilheat poses one of the least risks of carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family.
Oilheat is dependable and secure. We will not run out of Oilheat anytime soon. There will always be a plentiful supply, even during the coldest winter months. In fact, the United States has a Strategic Petroleum Reserve with a capacity of 727 million barrels - the world's largest emergency oil stockpile - in addition to a two-million-barrel heating oil reserve. There are over 50 oil producing countries, and the U.S. is not dependent on any one country or region for its supply.
An Oilheat tank ensures you of an ample supply of fuel safely stored on your property. With oil, you have control over your heat. There is no need to worry about the weather, pressure drops in the gas pipeline or broken gas mains. Because heating oil is safe, the Oilheat tank can be located anyplace that's convenient - above ground, underground, in the basement, etc. (Propane tanks, conversely, need to be placed 50 feet from the home.) And wait until you see all the attractive aboveground tank enclosures that coordinate perfectly with your home's décor.
Oilheat gives you personal service. We at James Devaney Fuel Co. provide courteous, prompt, personal attention. Try getting that from your local utility!
Oilheat means cozy home comfort. Fact is, when surveyed about their comfort, Oilheat customers around the country said they find Oilheated homes to be cozier than gas or electric-heated homes. While we can't measure it, warmth, comfort and a nice cozy feeling are definite heating oil pluses.
Oilheat means choice: And we're glad you chose James Devaney Fuel Co. as your dealer! Moreover, you are free to choose from our "menu" of full services - everything from service contracts to payment plans to automatic delivery. On the other hand, there is only one big utility.
Oilheat customers prefer Oilheat. According to Oilheat industry research, 95% of Oilheat users are satisfied with their dealer's overall performance and feel they do a good job delivering oil and servicing heating equipment. A majority (70%) feel that the gas utility would not give the same personalized service as the Oilheat dealer. They prefer Oilheat for all the reasons mentioned above ... and more!

Benefits of Upgrading
If your home Oilheat unit is more than 15 years old, chances are you're not getting the most from your fuel dollar. In fact, studies show heating equipment that has seen more than its share of harsh winters, is less efficient and costs more in the long run than if you were to upgrade to a modern, high-efficiency unit. To ensure you and your family are enjoying all the comforts of a home heating system operating at peak efficiency, call James Devaney Fuel Company and ask to have one of our expert engineers come to your home to inspect your heating equipment. Our service specialists use the most technically-advanced tools to ensure accuracy and can advise you about how to save money and improve efficiency while adding to your comfort.
A heating system upgrade can save you up to 30% in energy costs. System upgrades also increase the value of your home considerably. Imagine new, high-efficiency equipment, reduced fuel bills and more money in your pocket. Take advantage of a win-win situation today!
Energy FAQ's
- There's been a lot of talk recently about upgrading one's heating system. Why is this important?
Older heating equipment may be sending as much as 40% of the heat up the chimney. Replacing outdated and/or inefficient boilers and furnaces with modern highly efficient models can reduce fuel costs more than any other single option available to homeowners. Plus, it's a great way to add value to your home.
- I've been hearing about the importance of scheduling an annual tune-up for my home heating system. How much fuel is actually saved by tuning up my heating unit?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Oilheat equipment that is maintained annually uses 13% less fuel than units not properly serviced.
- I've seen ads from "C.O.D." companies in the local paper. What is a "C.O.D." company and does it offer a better deal on fuel oil?
"C.O.D." means "Cash on Delivery." A C.O.D. Oilheat dealer makes deliveries when you telephone them to fill your tank. You then pay the driver in cash upon delivery. A C.O.D. dealer most often offers discounted fuel, but not the full service that James Devaney offers. The C.O.D. dealer may run out of Oilheat during the coldest part of the winter ... use outside contractors because it lacks its own technicians ... be unable to offer around-the-clock emergency response ... and may not even be insured. You can count on the pros at James Devaney Fuel for full service - and for full value.
- Can you suggest low cost ways to upgrade my heating system to conserve energy? There are actually FREE things you can do to save energy and cash - like dusting off radiators, closing off rooms you don't use and opening curtains, blinds and shades to let the warm sun shine in. But the most inexpensive heating system upgrade you can make is to install a programmable thermostat - a "smart" thermostat that automatically adjusts room temperature settings to energy-saving levels when you're sleeping or away from home. Simply turning your thermostat back 10° -15° for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat is one of the least expensive home improvements you can make.

