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Heating oil can be bought in a variety
of manners:
Contract - By this method
the dealer agrees to maintain a constant supply of oil to your
home, and typically maintains your furnance. The price
charged is slightly higher, but delivery is guaranteed when the oil
is needed, and your furnace is checked for safety and fuel
efficiency. Essentially, for a price, the dealer is taking
the risk off your hands.
Spot Sale - The spot sale is a
one time transaction. The price is often lower than a contract
sale, but there is no guarantee the dealer will have oil when you
need it. Essentially, here you are assuming the risk, and
consequently getting a lower price. The furnace is not inspected, and
there is no guarantee that deliveries or repairs will be made in an
emergency.
Automatic Delivery - This
resembles contract buying except that the fuel is delivered to your
house automatically. Again, you pay a slightly higher price, but are
taking less of a risk.
Beware of come-on offers and "bait and
switch" tactics and pricing by unscrupulous dealers. Only order
oil from established, reputable dealers.

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