Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a full service dealer? A full-service dealer is a company that has an in-house service department. The company employs trained, licensed oil burner technicians who are capable of resolving all issues related to your oil-fired heating system. They also offer a full range of delivery options.
2. Why do I need a full service dealer? If your heat has ever gone out at 2:00 AM or on a holiday, you already know the answer. Full service companies respond to emergency calls on a 24/7/365 emergency basis, ensuring your family stays warm and your pipes do not freeze.
3. How does the global economy affect heating oil prices ? Steady increases in demand, natural disasters, the continued threat of political instability in major oil-producing countries, and the growing influence of financial institutions who are speculating in the oil market - all drive crude oil prices upward. The largest influence on the cost of heating oil is the price of the raw materials used to produce or refine the products you use in your home. Heating oil is refined from crude oil, the majority of which is gathered in foreign countries. Therefore, as the price of crude oil rises, so does the cost of heating oil. Energy products like heating oil are traded on the commodities market, which goes up and down like the stock market. These wholesale prices are set by large suppliers. In fact, as of today, wholesale heating prices are up 30% from last year. And, home oil heating distributors, like Santoro Oil Company, have no control over them.
4. Is there a way that I can be protected from rising fuel costs? Yes, with our Price Protection Plan Options. We are currently working on several programs for next season including a Pre-buy, Fixed Price Program, and a Price Collar Program. The Pre-buy Program allows you to pre-purchase your season's oil at bulk prices. A fixed price, guarantees one price throughout the year. Whereas, the Collar Price Program sets a ceiling and floor price, guaranteeing that your price will remain within a given range. With the aid of such programs, you can more accurately manage your budget without worrying about a sudden jump in market-driven oil costs. Call us for today's quotes at (401) 421-4541 and press "Option 5". Click here <Pricing Plans> for details.
5. Is there a way I can manage higher winter fuel costs? Yes. With our <Smart Pay> budget payment plan you can spread out your payments over ten months. Call (401) 421-4541 and select "Option 3" for details.
6. Why should I opt for automatic delivery? With automatic
delivery, you don't have to call in every time your oil tank is low on
fuel. With decades of experience, and a sophisticated computer system
that tracks both temperature (shown as "DD", degree days on
your receipt of delivery) and your delivery history or delivery frequency
(shown as K-factor on your receipt of delivery), rest assured that you
will never run dry.
***Please Note: Any drastic changes made to your home such as remodeling, an addition, installation of supplemental heating sources or an increase in hot water usage should be reported to our office to ensure timely deliveries.***
7. Why should I enroll in a service protection plan? Service plans include prompt, around-the-clock emergency service for automatic delivery customers, and cover as many as 100 system parts, as well as labor. The tune-up aspect of a service contract is in itself a significant money-saver, tests conducted by the Department of Energy have proven that a tune-up can lower a homeowner's annual heating bill by as much as 10 percent.
8. Can I pay online? Coming soon.
9. What type of payments do you accept? Cash, checks, money orders and most major credit cards. Click here "Pay your Bills" for details .