As the cost of living increases, everyone is keeping a closer eye on their fuel consumption. But, when the colder winter months arrive, we naturally start to use more heating oil in a bid to keep our homes warm.
We care about keeping you safe and warm, so we have gathered some practical tips which can help to reduce your bills.
10 handy tips for saving fuel
Get your boiler serviced
Servicing your oil firing boiler regularly can be the single best way to reduce your oil usage and keep your boiler running well. OFTEC recommend servicing your boiler once every 12 months and the last thing you want is an expensive breakdown in the middle of winter.
We have around 60 oil OFTEC registered, specialist engineers working across the country. Call us on 03457 620 620 to enquire about oil boiler servicing.
Top up your heating oil before busy periods
Every year, the heating oil industry sees a series of peaks across winter. The price of heating oil tends to rise in line with this increased demand, so we recommend refilling your tank before the change of season wherever possible.
Cold snaps and unexpected factors (like international relations or another pandemic) can all drive up demand significantly. That means, it’s harder for us and our competitors to meet this demand. There are also only so many trucks on the road delivering fuel in Great Britain, so you may experience delays.
Check your tank regularly and place your order early to secure the best price.
If you are eligible, make sure to join the Cold Weather Priority scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to help us prioritise deliveries to those over 75 in times of cold weather and increased demand.
Sign up for Certas Energy Pay Monthly Predict
With helpful reminder alerts three weeks before we think you’re due to top up, place a quick and easy online or telephone order for the amount of heating oil you need, for when you need it. Payments will be taken via Direct Debit on the agreed date each month, so you can give larger one-off bills the boot.
Install a heating oil monitor
Heating oil monitors can help you to keep track of your heating oil usage. Monitors usually come with a handy mobile app, and alerts, so you can see when you’re running low.
Investing in the FoxRadar oil monitor will give you a complete picture of how much oil you are using and how much you spend. Tracking how much oil you use in a certain period of time can help you spot opportunities to save. Understanding how much oil you actually use when heating your home is the first step to becoming more energy efficient.
Track your oil usage and reduce your heating oil orders accordingly.
Find out more about our FoxRadar heating oil monitors.
Consider upgrading your standard heating oil to Glowmax
Glowmax heating oil helps to reduce boiler sludge, allowing oil to burn more efficiently and keep your heating system healthier. Although premium oil is slightly more expensive per litre, Glowmax can save you money long-term.
Clean-burning fuel can also reduce the risk of expensive breakdown costs as it contributes to your boiler’s overall health.
Turn the hot water temperature down by a degree
You should be able to control the temperature of the hot water in your boiler. Just turning the temperature down by a degree or two can save you money.
This money saving tip also applies to your radiators. You’re unlikely to notice a significant temperature difference in your home if you just turn down your heaters by a couple of degrees.
Bleed your radiators regularly
Bleeding your radiators periodically will help to avoid any pockets of air from building up. Air in your radiators can prevent your heating system from working at its full efficiency.
Leaving your radiators un-bled can cause them to distribute heat unevenly. Uneven heating, in turn, will take longer to heat up a room and use more oil in the process.
Take a look at our guide to boiler maintenance for more information.
Keep your radiators free from obstructions
Large furniture, or items that block radiators, can prevent warm air from being able to circulate. Even if your heating system is running at optimum efficiency, furniture position can impact the heat you actually feel.
If your radiators are blocked, you may want to turn up the thermostat to warm your room properly – but there’s a cheaper solution! Move any obstructions away from your radiator to experience the full benefit of the heat.
Secure your home from draughts
A great way to save on your oil heating bill is to insulate your home. Home insulation plays a big part in maintaining the temperature of your home and keeping your fuel usage lower. By insulating any areas where heat escapes, you’ll consume less oil when heating your home.
Quick fixes to reduce your cost of heating include:
- Make sure to seal all potential sources of draughts. Seal cold air outside by insulating windows and gaps around doors.
- Open curtains in the day to let in the sunlight and close in the evening to keep the warmth in.
- Keep internal doors closed, where possible, and consider a draught excluder if you have a large gap under the door.
Invest in home insulation to save money on heating oil
We know that a typical off-grid home is older and not as well insulated than the UK average. You may want to invest in more extensive insulation as a long-term solution to the rising costs of energy.
Take a look at the Energy Saving Trust to get advice on how to insulate your home.
These tips will help you to make the most out of your existing heating oil.
Find out how the government will support heating oil households during the energy crisis.
If you need to top up your heating oil, place an order with us today.
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