What is heating oil for the home?
If you’re considering an alternative approach to heating your home, this guide should help to answer all of your burning questions.
Call 0345 600 4040Heating oil for the home explained
Heating oil is a liquid fuel that powers oil fired central heating systems. The name commonly refers specifically to petroleum-based oil that is suitable for home heating use.
Oil for heating works by burning in an oil burner to heat up water. That water then heats the pipes and radiators within a home.
There are over one million households in the UK that rely on heating oil instead of the national gas grid. Using oil fired central heating is known as “off-grid living”. The key difference between living on and off-grid is that off-grid homes have manual deliveries of heating oil which they keep in a storage tank. If you’re new to oil-fueled heating, understanding what home heating oil is and its uses could help you to save money in the long run.
What are the different types of heating oil?
You may be wondering ‘which heating oil do I need?’ There are only a handful of heating oil types available for domestic use.
Standard Kerosene
Also known as home heating oil or 28-second oil. This is a lighter type of oil which is used in a domestic setting in many homes in the UK.
Premium Kerosene
Glowmax is a more efficient*, cleaner burning home fuel compared with standard kerosene.
What is premium kerosene?
At Certas Energy, we also provide an exclusive premium heating oil: Glowmax.
Premium kerosene is a cleaner burning fuel and can help a boiler to burn more efficiently* than standard kerosene.
Our premium heating oil offers a number of benefits:
- Potential to lower boiler maintenance costs
- Reduced sludge formation which can prolong a boiler’s life
- More efficient fuel performance
- Lowered risk of a boiler breakdown
For more information about the benefits of premium oil for your home, read our comprehensive guide.
*Glowmax tests based on standard industry tests for stability and combustion quality such as BSI 2000-10, ASTM D3241 (mod. 350°C), ISO 6615 and thermogravimetric analysis under air or nitrogen and with or without metal traces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does heating oil cost in the UK?
The cost of heating oil in the UK fluctuates almost daily. There are several factors which affect heating oil prices. These factors range from political conflicts and foreign exchange rates, to logistical issues like weather and delivery costs. Heating oil can cost less during summer months and some customers do choose to top up when prices are lower. However, at Certas Energy we pride ourselves in offering competitive prices with no service charge all year round.
What is kerosene and how is it made?
Kerosene is a type of oil which is commonly used in domestic heating systems in the UK. Also known as heating oil or paraffin, it is a non-corrosive fuel that poses less danger than other fuel types. Kerosene can be stored safely for several years, which makes it ideal for domestic storage. Kerosene is made from petroleum: a natural oil found beneath the earth’s surface. The process for making kerosene begins with drilling and distillation. Using high temperatures, the petroleum is then broken down into different fuels, including: butane, propane, petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
How do I store heating oil?
Heating oil can be stored in a plastic or steel storage container, such as a tank, drum, intermediate bulk container (IBCs) or a mobile container. If you use oil to heat your home, it’s important to follow the proper storage regulations set out by the government. The guidance applies to tanks that can store up to 5,000 litres of fuel. Any higher volumes would have to refer to business regulations. If you don’t yet have a tank, it’s crucial to make sure that your new tank is manufactured to OFTEC standards and that a registered technician installs it. You should also consider the location and positioning of your new heating oil tank, as well as maintaining regular checks. A full list of rules and regulations can be found on gov.uk, as well as industry standards agency OFTEC.
How do I buy heating oil?
You can order heating oil easily from Certas Energy online. You simply need to choose which type of oil you require and the amount of oil you need. You can order between 500 and 5,000 litres of heating oil. If you’re a new customer, you’ll need to set up an account with us to provide your personal details and delivery address. Within your account, we’ll agree on a domestic heating oil quote and you can proceed to checkout. We can deliver fuel oil to homes within England, Wales, and Scotland. Our local teams will have the oil with you by the delivery date in your instant quote. If there’s no set date, we guarantee oil delivery within 30 days. Login or set up an account to buy fuel online. Alternatively, call us at 0345 600 4040 and our knowledgeable advisors will be happy to help place your order. For more information about buying oil for your home, read through our domestic terms and conditions.
