Your essential guide to heating oil this winter

As the temperature starts to drop, there are a few things worth checking before your heating is working at full stretch. From making sure you have enough heating oil to checking your boiler and understanding your usage, getting organised early can make the colder months a little easier.

• 01

  Check your heating oil level

  Before winter arrives, check how much heating oil you have left and consider topping up if you're starting to run low. Having plenty of oil in your tank means you're prepared for colder spells when your heating may be running for longer. 

  Ordering before you urgently need oil gives you more choice over your delivery options, rather than waiting until your tank is nearly empty.

• 02

  Monitor your heating oil usage

  Winter is when you're likely to notice your heating oil level dropping more quickly. The SG8 Smart Monitor gives you a convenient way to keep track of your tank level and usage without relying on manual checks.

  For customers who want even less to think about, Connected uses your tank readings to arrange automatic heating oil deliveries, taking away the need to decide when it's time to order.

• 03

  Test your heating before the cold weather arrives

  Don't wait for the freezing morning to discover there's a problem with your heating. Switch your system on ahead of winter and check that your boiler and radiators are heating as expected.

  If you notice unusual noises, smells, leaks or your home isn't heating properly, arrange for the system to be checked by a suitably qualified heating engineer.

• 04

  Get your boiler ready for winter

  Your boiler is likely to work harder throughout the colder months, so it's worth making sure it's in good condition beforehand.

  If your annual boiler service is due, arranging it before winter gives an engineer the opportunity to identify potential problems and check that your system is operating as it should.

• 05

  Make your heating oil go further

  Small changes around your home can help you get more from your heating. Check for draughts around windows and doors, avoid blocking radiators with furniture and use your thermostat and heating schedule to avoid heating your home unnecessarily.

  It's also worth bleeding radiators that have cold spots, as trapped air can prevent them from heating properly.

• 06

  Make sure your tank is accessible

  Before your next delivery, check that your heating oil tank and fill point are easy to access. Cut back overgrown plants, clear away fallen leaves and make sure gates, paths and tank locks aren't going to cause problems for your delivery.

• 07

  Don't wait until you're almost out of oil 

  Keeping an eye on your tank level means you have more time to arrange a delivery before you run too low. This is particularly useful during winter, when your household may be using more heating oil than usual.

  BoilerJuice offers a range of delivery options, so planning ahead gives you more flexibility when deciding on a delivery.

Get your heating oil quote now