# Peterson Oil Service

**Trade:** HVAC / Heating & Cooling · **Address:** 75 Crescent St, Worcester, MA 01605 · **Phone:** (508) 368-1000 · **Website:** http://www.petersonoil.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 1.7/5** (high confidence) — from 30 reviews across 5 sources.
30% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 2 negative.

## The honest read

Peterson Oil Service is a Worcester heating-oil and HVAC company that says on its website it was founded in 1946 and remains family-owned. It delivers heating oil, installs and services heating and cooling equipment, and also offers plumbing.

Reviews from the last several years are dominated by frustration with the office side of the business — scheduling, billing, and phone support — even as the technicians who actually show up at the house are repeatedly praised by name. A 2025 review described Rick and Kenny swapping out an old oil tank and even routing new piping through a shed roof, sealing it up cleanly; another from 2024 singled out a technician named Jay for a thorough, pleasant burner cleaning. Customers who've stayed with Peterson for years — one for 18 years, another since the early 1990s — describe consistently good service. But a much longer run of reviews across the same period describes rude or unhelpful phone staff, oil deliveries that didn't show up as promised, and an auto-pay system that skipped a payment and then billed two months at once.

Two separate reviews, from January 2026 and March 2026, describe Peterson delivery trucks nearly causing accidents on the road. And a 2024 review referenced a class-action settlement the company paid out over oil quality the reviewer said damaged their fuel pumps and tank — a similar complaint about product or installation quality appears in other reviews about tank work gone wrong. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a B rating without accreditation and records two complaints against it for failure to respond.

For the actual mechanical work — a tank swap, a burner service call — the technician-level reviews here are strong. But the surrounding experience of ordering oil, getting billed, and reaching someone by phone has generated a heavy and consistent run of complaints across the last several years; anyone considering Peterson should go in with clear expectations about delivery timing and billing, and keep a paper trail.

**Strengths:**
- Named technicians praised — reviewers cite clean, careful tank and burner work
- Long-term loyalty — some customers cite decades of consistent service

**Concerns:**
- Rude phone service — repeated complaints about unhelpful, hostile staff
- Delivery reliability — multiple reviews cite missed or late oil deliveries
- Billing errors — one review cites a skipped autopay charge, doubled bill
- Unsafe driving — two reviews describe near-accidents involving company trucks
- Class-action settlement — 2024 review cites a payout over damaged fuel equipment

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- BBB grade B, not accredited _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “Better Business Bureau grade: B”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “BBB lists Peterson Oil Service, Inc. as a non-accredited fuel-oil business with a B rating, two complaints cited for failure to respond, and…”
- BBB records two complaints against the company for failure to respond _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “2 complaint(s) on file (count only)”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “BBB lists Peterson Oil Service, Inc. as a non-accredited fuel-oil business with a B rating, two complaints cited for failure to respond, and…”
- BBB lists three license or registration numbers for the company, none verified against a state registry _(confidence: low)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “Licence listed on Better Business Bureau: D 4295”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “Licence listed on Better Business Bureau: 68783”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494) — “Licence listed on Better Business Bureau: 1819875328”
- Self-reports founded in Worcester in 1946 and family-owned _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.petersonoil.com) — “Company history (self-reported): Founded in Worcester and serving the area since 1946.”
  - [Official Website](http://www.petersonoil.com) — “Ownership (self-reported): Family-owned and operated business.”
- A 2025 review described a clean oil tank swap with new piping routed through a shed roof and properly sealed _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tJMFNXUm1ObU5rV0ZKWlZsOWpVMEZGUmxCS1NrRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkI0SWRmNmNkWFJZVl9jU0FFRlBKSkE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Rick and Kenny came to swap out my old oil tank for a new one and they did an exceptional job! They even had to pipe it through a roof in…”
- A 2024 review praised a technician for a thorough, pleasant oil burner cleaning _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3NTg2M0JnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID75863Bg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Hello. I had my oil burner cleaned/checked today by Jay and I want to give a shout out to him and to say how pleasant he was. He told me …”
- Some long-term customers, including one of 18 years, describe consistently good service and prompt issue resolution _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfeF96Q29nRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID_x_zCogE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have been a customer of Peterson Oil for 18 years. I would like to compliment you on your outstanding Customer Service. Anytime I've ev…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqajhHaHZnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDjj8GhvgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My husband and I have been customers of Peterson Oil since the early '90's since we purchased our home.  We have had only great experienc…”
- Multiple reviews across several years describe rude or unhelpful phone and customer service staff _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xnM1kwZDVZMGcwTjFsRWJrOXZXbFV5TlZsdlpYYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlg3Y0d5Y0g0N1lEbk9vWlUyNVlvZXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Worst customer service ever.”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNUelplMXRBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICTzZe1tAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Bad customer service, staff unhelpful and rude. Wont be returning.”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkcjZuczhnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICdr6ns8gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Horrible, stay away its no good as service and customer service.  If you are a fan of aggravation and stress pick this company.  You will…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkNWNlSHlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICd5ceHyAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ I'm not sure who the main woman is that fields calls but she is consistently berating and rude. I somehow manage to get her no matter whe…”
- Several reviews describe oil deliveries that did not arrive as promised, requiring repeated follow-up calls _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4bU1pTzhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDxmMiO8AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ We've been their customers for many years but the service deteriorated significantly in past year or so. It takes forever for the oil to …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCbnVhM1JBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICBnua3RA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Ordered and paid up front for oil on the Tuesday before Christmas (Sunday) and was told it would be delivered by Friday. Friday evening I…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1cm9lbjF3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICuroen1wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ I ordered oil from this company and they took all of my info and my credit card info. After three days nobody showed up. When I called, t…”
- A December 2025 review said an auto-pay charge was skipped, resulting in a bill for two months at once _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2w5R2FETlBSbGM1Y0VkcWNUQlpOMTgzZFVGMGNuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOl9GaDNPRlc5cEdqcTBZN183dUF0cnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Have my account set for auto-pay and they just forgot to take out November. So now I get a call asking for 2 months payments. Get organiz…”
- Two reviews, from January and March 2026, described company delivery trucks nearly causing traffic accidents _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xwRVdGcDZURlZRV0VKWVZ6bDJNekoxUWsxdWIyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlpEWFp6TFVQWEJYVzl2MzJ1Qk1ub2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ You should probably teach your employees to drive. Dude is lucky I narrowly avoided the accident he almost caused.”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pGMWIzbENXaTE1U2xaclVWOXdSSEJ4TTNSVWJHYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjF1b3lCWi15SlZrUV9wRHBxM3RUbGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Just almost got took out by one of your trucks cutting through the town of Seekonk into Pawtucket. The driver could tell what was going o…”
- A 2024 review referenced a class-action settlement the company paid over oil quality that reportedly damaged fuel pumps and a tank _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNuM2NQTVZBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICn3cPMVA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Just got a check for $250 from the Peterson Oil Class Action Settlement Fund. Their rotten oil ruined 2 fuel pumps and a fuel tank. Don't…”
- A 2025 review described a poorly done tank installation that damaged a stairwell and left billing unresolved _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pWd1QyOXNZelpGVERWTFZEZFpkMTlwZGxoNU5tYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjVwT29sYzZFTDVLVDdZd19pdlh5Nmc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Had Peterson for about a year. Dishonest, disorganized, and awful to deal with every step of the way. Changing to a different company.
Th…”
- Specializes in HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.petersonoil.com) — “Peterson Oil Service delivers heating oil and fuel, installs and services heating and cooling equipment, and provides plumbing services for …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3NTg2M0JnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID75863Bg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Hello. I had my oil burner cleaned/checked today by Jay and I want to give a shout out to him and to say how pleasant he was. He told me …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMtejlPYnZBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x118456b638b4b816!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC-z9ObvAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “2★ I had my oil burner yearly cleaned in August 2022. I had Peterson fill late Sept/Oct & didn't have sys running til 1st week of Oct due to…”
- Also offers Plumbing _(confidence: low)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.petersonoil.com) — “Peterson Oil Service delivers heating oil and fuel, installs and services heating and cooling equipment, and provides plumbing services for …”

## Ownership

- Identifies as family-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified.

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Peterson%20Oil%20Service&query_place_id=ChIJJafR7k0G5IkRFri0OLZWhBE): 3.2★ from 93 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Peterson%20Oil%20Service&query_place_id=ChIJJafR7k0G5IkRFri0OLZWhBE): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/fuel-oil/peterson-oil-service-inc-0261-101494): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](http://www.petersonoil.com): Self-reported profile and service details
- [Local Chambers of Commerce](https://business.worcesterchamber.org/list/member/peterson-oil-service-inc-wor-5230): Listed on this source

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Candace Casey · 2026-07-08**: Very pleased with Peterson Oil’s customer service & service team
They have never let me down  & that in itself is worth mentioning!!
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Adam Kalinowski · 2026-06-03**: Perhaps the worst company around. I have had nothing but issues with both service and delivery.  Unfortunately they don’t care about keeping customers.  Highest prices around and terrible customer service.  There is a reason the class action checks keep rolling in.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Elsa Fronk · 2026-03-11**: You should probably teach your employees to drive. Dude is lucky I narrowly avoided the accident he almost caused.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Uai USA · 2026-02-09**: Worst customer service ever.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Brandon Hasson · 2026-01-05**: Just almost got took out by one of your trucks cutting through the town of Seekonk into Pawtucket. The driver could tell what was going on, but still chose to put us in a bad position and then flips me off afterwards. Wish he would’ve stopped.
Maybe your guys should start taking the highway again in…
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Jeremy Fowler · 2025-12-15**: Have my account set for auto-pay and they just forgot to take out November. So now I get a call asking for 2 months payments. Get organized! Auto pay is to prevent this!
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Marc Aijala · 2025-11-04**: Had Peterson for about a year. Dishonest, disorganized, and awful to deal with every step of the way. Changing to a different company.
They did poor work installing an oil tank, damaged my stairwell, and made both a physical and bureaucratic mess in the process.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kory Valukis · 2025-09-18**: Rick and Kenny came to swap out my old oil tank for a new one and they did an exceptional job! They even had to pipe it through a roof in my shed and they sealed it up so perfectly that I would’ve thought they were also roofers. All in all, I was in a bad situation and they’ve made that all disappea…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Sharon Deraney · 2025-01-27**: I have been a customer of Peterson Oil for 18 years. I would like to compliment you on your outstanding Customer Service. Anytime I've ever had a issue, Peterson handles it extremely well with prompt resolution to the problem. Anyone I've ever spoken to on the phone is very polite, professional and …
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Paul Beland · 2025-01-09**: I called due to running out of oil.This was Jan 9th 2025. My 74 yr old uncle just was coming home from U Mass Hospital and i was paying cash for 100 gallons. This was 5:10 pm and because I wasnt a customer they couldnt help me. I said it 24 degrees. Sorry i cant help you. I explained if you deliver …

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-24T07:32:07.681Z.
Cite as: Peterson Oil Service — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/peterson-oil-service-worcester)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/peterson-oil-service-worcester