Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert

Mark Gagnon

Q: What is a heating degree-day?

A: Heating degree-days help us to calculate when you need a fuel delivery. For every degree that the average daily temperature is below 65°, we count one degree-day. So if the average temperature on any given day is 25°, that’s equivalent to 40 degree-days.

The heating season runs from October 1 to April 1, and Maine usually records an average of 7,000 heating degree-days each year.

By looking at degree-days and combining that data with other factors, we can create a highly reliable delivery schedule, ensuring that automatic delivery customers have a very low risk of running out, compared with folks who call for their fuel.

If you’re interested in getting automatic deliveries, please call us or contact us through our website and we’ll get you set up.