We might be going into Spring here in the UK, but unfortunately, that certainly doesn’t mean that cold days are behind us! With April’s showers and deceivingly blustery May days around the corner, there’s no guarantee that we won’t be needing our heating for a little longer this year – which makes this the perfect time to dive into a guide to oil heating.
For many homes in the UK, particularly in rural areas, homes are heated by heating oil and heating oil tanks. If you’ve ever wondered whether oil heating is right for you or you just want to make the most of your existing oil heating setup, this is the guide for you.
What is oil heating and how does it work?
Essentially, oil heating is used to fuel heating systems in homes and businesses. An oil tank supply is stored in storage containers called heating oil tanks. These tanks store the oil until it is needed to generate heat.
When a thermostat detects the need for warmth, it sends a signal to your boiler or furnace. The system then draws oil from the tank, burns it to create heat and distributes that warmth throughout your home using your central heating system.
This method of heating is commonly used in rural areas or for homes off the gas grid. It’s not as common as it used to be in the UK, but there are still a large number of homes and areas that rely on oil heating to keep their homes cosy.
Is oil heating any good?
There are many benefits to oil heating! For example:
- You’re in control of when you buy heating oil and how much you buy
- It’s reliable in remote locations
- Warmth feels more consistent
- Modern oil boilers are pretty efficient
- You can enjoy cosy home vibes all season long
But what about staying on top of oil levels?
One of the most important parts of managing an oil-heated home is keeping an eye on your oil levels – and trust me, it’s not something you want to forget. Running out of oil in the middle of a cold snap is no fun, especially when you’ve got kids to keep warm or plans for a relaxing night in. Unlike gas, oil needs to be topped up manually, so getting into the habit of checking your levels regularly is key to staying cosy all year round.
The good news is, it’s easier than ever to keep track. Most tanks come with a basic gauge, but if you want to make life even simpler, you can get a smart oil monitor that connects to your phone. These handy little gadgets send alerts when you’re running low, so you can reorder before things get chilly. Some even track usage trends, which is great for budgeting and spotting any unexpected drops that could indicate a problem.
A good rule of thumb is to check your tank at least once a month during winter and to place your order before it drops below a quarter full. Oil prices can vary depending on demand, so topping up in the milder months can also save you a bit of money. A helpful guide to oil heating will also suggest planning ahead to avoid last-minute dashes to the supplier – and give you more time to enjoy your warm, toasty home with zero stress.
Looking after your heating oil tank
Looking after your heating oil tank might not be the most glamorous job, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your home cosy without any unexpected hiccups. A bit of regular maintenance – like checking your oil filter and giving the tank a once-over now and then – can make a big difference to how well your system runs. It helps everything work more efficiently, reduces the risk of things going wrong, and can even make your tank last longer. A little bit of TLC now means fewer surprises later – and one less thing to worry about when the temperature drops.
Here are the maintenance tasks that need to be on your radar as a heating oil tank owner:
- Regular inspections – have a certified professional check for rust, leaks and wear at least once a year
- Oil tank filter change – ideally once a year, and during the autumn time, just before peak heating season begins
- Regular cleaning – a quick clean every now and then can hel,p but for a thorough job, it’s worth bringing in a professional
- Monitor oil levels – using a tank gauge makes it easy to track how much oil you have left, so you can plan refills before running low
- Weather damage protection – harsh weather like heavy rain, snow and very cold temperatures can lead to rust and other damage, so a simple cover or enclosure can be beneficial
- Tank condition checks – look for potential problems such as bulges, cracks, rust or discolouration that could indicate wear or damage.
Tips for extra cosiness!
While oil heating does a great job of keeping your home warm, there are plenty of little extras that can help make your space feel even cosier – and maybe even save you a few pennies in the process. Simple things like thick curtains, draft excluders, and rugs can all help keep the heat in and the cold out, especially in older homes where a bit of warmth can escape through windows or floorboards.
Another handy tip is to make the most of your thermostat. Setting it to come on just before you wake up or get home from work can make your house feel snug without using more oil than you need. If your home has radiators, consider adding reflective panels behind them to bounce heat back into the room – they’re affordable and easy to fit, but can make a surprising difference.
Finally, think about how you use each room. There’s no need to heat the whole house if you’re spending most of your time in just a couple of spaces. Zoning your heating (if your system allows it) or simply turning down radiators in unused rooms can help you stay warm where it matters most. A few small changes can go a long way in creating a cosy, welcoming space without overworking your oil tank.
Hopefully, we won’t have to think too much about heating our homes for the next few months – but we all know how the British summertime can treat us! If you use oil to heat your home, a helpful guide to oil heating can make all the difference in getting the most from your system. Do you heat your home with heating oil, and would you recommend it? I’d love to know!
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