First Delivery Offer
Ask about the current first-delivery offer terms for new homeowners
- $100 off first delivery - any amount
- Free tank inspection included
- No setup fees for new accounts
Buying a home with oil heat in Cape Breton
Get to know your heating system and plan your first oil delivery before moving in.
First-Time Homebuyers
Helpful Starting Points for New Cape Breton Homeowners
Buying your first home is exciting and a lot to take on. We're happy to share local experience and help you get comfortable with heating oil basics.
Received our new homeowner letter?
Practical guidance on heating oil systems, maintenance, and everyday care
- Tank safety and maintenance guide
- Seasonal heating tips
- Energy efficiency recommendations
Personal Support
Support from our family business team during your first year
- Direct phone line for questions
- Quarterly check-ins during the first year
- Ask about priority emergency service
Essential Knowledge
What Every New Homeowner Should Know
Four things to check before settling into your oil-heated home.
Plan your first delivery
Confirm who orders oil before possession. Do not assume delivery arrangements transfer with the house.
Share your address, moving date and tank details with us. Mention low or unknown oil levels so we can discuss delivery availability.
Know your equipment
Request tank and service records, and check your insurer's requirements. Have a qualified professional assess the equipment.
Find out whether oil heats your rooms, hot water or both. If unsure, ask a technician rather than opening or adjusting equipment.
Plan your heating costs
Ask about current prices. The previous owner's bills do not guarantee your costs.
Our Budget Plan spreads estimated annual fuel costs over 10 equal monthly payments, with a year-end credit or balance settlement. It is not a fixed fuel price.
Prepare for winter
Ask about preparing for winter storms and who to contact for heating emergencies.
Delivery Areas & Schedules
Hover over an area to see its delivery schedule.Tap an area to see its delivery schedule.
Monday through Friday
Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford, Dominion, Reserve Mines, Port Morien, Sydney River, Westmount, Coxheath, Point Edward, Donkin, and Birch Grove.
Tuesday and Thursday
North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Florence, Bras d’Or, Alder Point, Georges River and Boularderie, up to the Seal Island Bridge.
Wednesday
Marion Bridge, Albert Bridge, Huntington, Juniper Mountain and the Mira.
Automatic Delivery Only
East Bay, Ben Eoin and Big Pond. We track your usage and fill your tank before you run low.
Swipe or scroll to explore the map. Press Escape to clear.
These are regular route schedules, not a guarantee of delivery on a particular day.
Winter weekend emergency deliveries
We offer weekend emergency deliveries during winter. Our phone lines are open 24/7.
Call to discuss delivery timing for your address.
Two handy guides for your new home
How much oil is left in the tank?
These are Mercer Fuels' approximate readings for a standard 910 L tank. Full usually means around 850 L, not the entire tank capacity.
| Gauge reading | Oil remaining |
|---|---|
| Full | Around 850 L |
| 3/4 | Around 700 L |
| 1/2 | Around 500 L |
| 1/4 | Around 275 L |
| E or 0 | Around 125 L |
| Slightly below E | Out of oil or close to running out |
Tanks and gauges vary. These amounts are not a guaranteed usable reserve. Do not wait until the gauge is below E to order. If it is on or below E, call 902-539-4242 to discuss delivery availability.
Read the tank gauge guideHow much oil does hot water use?
If oil heats your tap water, you may need it even when the rooms do not need heating. These are Mercer Fuels' daily estimates for showers, laundry and other everyday hot-water needs.
| Household size | Estimated oil use |
|---|---|
| 1-2 people | About 3 L per day |
| 3 people | About 3.75 L per day |
| 4 people | About 4.5 L per day |
| 5 people | About 5.25 L per day |
| 6+ people | Start with about 6 L per day for six people, then add about 0.75 L per day for each extra person. |
Actual use varies with hot-water habits and equipment. These estimates are not guaranteed consumption rates or a way to calculate how long the oil in your tank will last.
Read the summer hot-water guideThree ways to get your heating oil
| Call-InHands-on ordering | Automatic DeliveryDelivery convenience | RecommendedAutomatic Delivery + Budget PlanDelivery convenience + easier budgeting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No need to place each order | Not includedYou place each order. Order online at mercerfuels.com/orderonline or call 902-539-4242. | IncludedYou can still contact us when you need to. | IncludedYou can still contact us when you need to. |
| Automatic delivery scheduling | Not included | Included | Included |
| Usage and weather-based delivery planning | Not included | Included | Included |
| Budget Plan equal monthly payments | Not included | Not included | Included |
Received our new homeowner letter?
Learn more about our services
Automatic delivery
Furnace insurance
Family Business Since 1970
Why Cape Breton Customers Choose Mercer Fuels
More than 50 years of local experience serving homeowners throughout Cape Breton.
50+ Years Experience
Local experience serving Cape Breton families with heating oil delivery.
Local Knowledge
We understand Cape Breton weather patterns and the heating needs of local homes.
Personal Service
A friendly family team ready to answer questions and help customers find their way.
Community Connection
A local team here to support customers through Cape Breton winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can order online at mercerfuels.com/orderonline. You can also call 902-539-4242 to speak with a member of our team and place your order.
Automatic delivery is a convenient way to plan home heating. Our driver fills your oil tank periodically, so you have less to keep track of. You can still check your tank or contact us when you need to. Sign up for automatic delivery
The steel oil tanks that Mercer Fuels installs come with a 25 year warranty. However, every insurance company has different requirements. Most insurance companies will not cover a tank for more than 15 years. We recommend calling your home insurance company to confirm how long they will cover you for.
We recommend cleaning your furnace annually. Regular maintenance can help keep your system running well and may help manage oil use over time.
Talk To A Heating Expert
Mercer Fuels has provided personalized guidance on home heating delivery, furnace equipment and ways to plan your heating costs for three generations. Free, with no pressure.
Settling Into a Home with Oil Heat?
We're here to help you understand your heating oil options and find a comfortable next step.