Making heating oil last longer can help reduce costs and avoid running low between deliveries. The best approach is to use your heating more efficiently, keep your boiler in good condition and reduce heat loss around the home.
Small changes can make a big difference, especially during winter.
Check Your Heating Settings
Your heating controls have a big impact on oil usage.
To make your oil last longer:
- Set heating times around your daily routine
- Avoid heating the home when no one is in
- Turn the thermostat down slightly
- Use radiator valves where fitted
- Keep doors closed in rooms you are not using
- Avoid leaving heating on overnight unless needed
Using less heat when it is not needed can help your tank last longer.
Service Your Boiler
An oil boiler should be serviced once a year by a qualified engineer. A poorly maintained boiler may use more oil than it needs to.
A service can help:
- Improve boiler efficiency
- Reduce breakdown risk
- Check for faults
- Keep the system running safely
- Support better heating performance
Keep Heat Inside the Home
If heat escapes quickly, your boiler has to work harder.
You can reduce heat loss by:
- Improving loft insulation
- Closing curtains at night
- Draught-proofing doors and windows
- Using door draught excluders
- Insulating hot water pipes
- Keeping internal doors closed
Older homes may benefit most from these steps.
Use Hot Water Carefully
If your heating oil also heats your hot water, your usage may increase.
To reduce waste:
- Fix dripping hot taps
- Avoid leaving hot water running
- Use timers for hot water
- Insulate the hot water cylinder if you have one
- Check that controls are set correctly
Monitor Your Tank Level
Check your oil level regularly. This helps you spot unusual usage and plan your next delivery.
Keep a note of:
- Delivery dates
- Litres ordered
- Tank readings
- Cold weather periods
- Any boiler problems
Need Heating Oil Delivered?
Barton Petroleum can help you arrange heating oil deliveries and keep your home supplied throughout the year.