How the forecast works
Your dealer builds a usage profile from a few inputs: tank size, appliance load, home square footage, and historical fills. The routing system then tracks heating degree days (HDDs) — a meteorological metric — to predict when your tank reaches the refill trigger.
The trigger is typically 25–30% tank level. Hitting that prompts scheduling within a few days. Tanks get refilled to 80% (the legal maximum), giving another 50–55% before the next refill.
Pros and cons
- + No run-out risk — dealer handles scheduling
- + No leak-test or restart fee after run-out (typically waived for active auto-fill accounts)
- + Per-gallon rate often slightly cheaper than will-call
- − Can't time fills to market-price lows
- − Less control over delivery schedule
When auto-fill works less well
Three usage profiles where auto-fill is a worse fit:
- Vacation / second homes used intermittently — forecasts based on HDDs over-estimate usage
- Recently changed appliance load — added a generator, replaced electric water heater — dealer forecast lags reality
- Very light usage (under 200 gal/year) — fewer deliveries needed than auto-fill assumes
Talk to your dealer when usage patterns change so the forecast can be updated.
FAQ
Does auto-fill cost extra?
No — enrollment is typically free, and the per-gallon rate is usually slightly lower than will-call. The dealer benefits from predictable routing; the customer benefits from no run-out risk.
What if auto-fill fails and I run out?
Most dealers waive the standard leak-test and restart fee when run-out is the dealer's fault under an active auto-fill agreement. Confirm this in writing at enrollment.