Moving house is an exciting and memorable experience but doesn’t always come without its stresses. If you’ve moved into a property that uses home heating oil, it may just feel like one more thing to worry about. That is why we’re here to help answer the home heating oil questions that you may have, and to take the stress out of getting to grips with it.
What is Heating Oil?
Home heating oil is a liquid fuel that is stored in a tank in your garden and feeds a heating oil boiler inside your property. As with a mains gas boiler, the fuel is burned to heat radiators and water within your property.
Heating oil can often be referred to by a number of different names – home heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil, and kerosene (or kero for short). This can all seem quite confusing, but they all refer to the same fuel.
Premium grade heating oils are available that offer a more efficient burn, reducing emissions and maintenance costs, and enabling you to get more out of every tank of fuel. This will all save you money in the long run.
For more information about kerosene, its uses, and how it is produced, click here to visit our easy-to-understand Guide to Kerosene.
Which oil do I need?
The vast majority of oil-fired domestic boilers use kerosene, but if you are unsure which fuel your boiler uses, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How much do I need to order?
Domestic fuel tanks typically have a capacity of 1000-2500 litres. The minimum quantity you can order is 500 litres, but it is cheaper (per litre) to order a larger quantity of fuel.
By setting up a direct debit with us or joining our Priority Club, you can spread the cost for your fuel into smaller, more manageable payments across the year and avoid large lump sum payments.
How much Heating Oil does a house use in a year?
When moving into one of the 1.5 million homes in the UK that rely on an oil-fired boiler, knowing how quickly your home will burn through the oil in your tank is something that will allow you to estimate how much heating oil you might get through in a year, and plan accordingly.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an actual figure, as this will depend on a wide number of factors that relate specifically to the way you use energy, such as:
- The size and age of the house
- How many rooms you heat
- How warm you want those rooms
- Whether you heat your home all year or only during the winter months
- How well your home is insulated
- How efficient your boiler is
If you’re moving into a home with an oil-fired boiler, a good way to find out a rough estimate of how much home heating oil you might need is to ask the previous owner or occupant of the house how much they used. You can then use that estimate to help guide you.
For more information, see our guide to how much heating oil you need.
How long does Heating Oil last?
Kerosene has a typical shelf life of around 2 years, under the right conditions.
There are additives you can purchase to extend the shelf life (such as our Premier Pure), and that will also improve the efficiency of your boiler, enabling you to get the most out of your tank.
There are a few other things you can do to make sure your heating oil lasts longer:
- Look after your oil tank – keeping your tank in peak condition and monitoring regularly for things like cracks, damage, and rust (if your tank is metal) will help your fuel last longer.
- Be mindful of the temperature – in the colder weather, oil can thicken, which runs the risk of clogging your heating system. We can advise you on how to guard against this.
- Insulate your home well – by insulating well, you reduce your overall need for heating oil, making your tank last longer and saving you money on your heating oil bills.
How much does Heating Oil cost?
The wholesale price of heating oil is constantly changing due to a variety of factors that are outside our control. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Global supply and demand
- Crude oil production costs
- Global events (e.g. war, political instability)
- Natural disasters
We monitor the wholesale price of heating oil continuously, and we buy from all the major oil companies to make sure we offer you the most competitive price every day.
To get an instant quote for home heating oil at a competitive price right now, use our online quote tool.
How do I ensure I don’t run out?
Our Priority Club membership is the easiest way to make sure you don’t run out of home heating oil.
As part of your membership, you will receive a free state-of-the-art OilFox™ smart monitor (worth over £120) which enables you to check your usage from anywhere in the world through a simple mobile app.
It also enables you and us to monitor your tank levels accurately and efficiently without the need to look at your tank. What’s more, we will come and fill your tank automatically with our Premier Pure premium kerosene once your tank level falls below a certain point, ensuring that you always receive fuel before you run out.
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How can I order home heating oil?
Ordering fuel from us is simple.
You can get an instant heating oil quote and select a delivery online, or you can call our depot, where one of our experts will be happy to help you to get what you need.
How can I pay for my heating oil?
We offer a variety of ways you can pay for home heating oil:
- Pay in full by debit or credit card, online or over the phone (we accept Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard and American Express)
- You can join our Planned Monthly Direct Debit plan or our Priority Club and spread the cost over 12 months rather than paying larger one-off payments.
Why Choose Us?
Introducing our exclusive guide, designed specifically for newcomers like you. We understand that stepping into the world of home heating oil can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Our comprehensive guide takes you on a captivating journey, unlocking the secrets to efficient and cost-effective heating. Learn about the benefits of using home heating oil, from its unparalleled warmth to its environmental advantages. Gain valuable insights into storage solutions, tank maintenance, and efficient usage tips that will save you both time and money.
Sign up today and receive a FREE consultation with our heating experts. They will guide you through every step, ensuring you make the best choices for your home. Call our team on 01829 700120 for more.
Contact our team today, and get a quote here.