The majority of homes that are not connected to the gas network, run off of the electricity grid. There are however a few that make use of heating oil in Cumbria or even LPG or liquid petroleum gas. The oil is usually delivered to your home and is stored in a tank. An oil boiler will be used to aid in heating your home.
When researching heating oil, you will find that there are two main types. The first is gas oil which is also known as red diesel. This type of oil is much heavier and is more commonly used in agriculture or commercial settings. The more common oil found in homes and used for domestic applications is kerosene which is sometimes referred to as 28 second oil.
If you have just moved into a new home and are unsure about what type of oil you will need, you can contact a professional technician who will be able to advise you. Hopefully your oil boiler will use kerosene which is a much more efficient fuel as it is less likely to wax up or form crystals in cold temperatures.
The price of heating oils fluctuates during the year due to demand generally increasing during the winter months. You also get more premium kerosene which contains additives that allow it to burn more cleanly and efficiently. There are also additives available that you can purchase yourself that are able to treat the oil.
When buying heating oil, it is a good idea to shop around. This is because the prices may vary between suppliers. You should get new quotes from different suppliers once or twice a year so that you can compare them to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
Another great tip when shopping for or buying heating oil is to buy well ahead of time. Demand for oil usually increases during the winter months. When this happens the prices tend to rise. That is why you might want to consider filling your tanks during the summer months while the prices are significantly lower.
Another way in which you can save money when buying and storing oil, is to ensure that you have safeguarded your tank against theft and leaks. It is important that you regularly service your heating oil tank as well as your boiler so as to avoid any costly fault. A newer, well maintained boiler will be a lot more efficient than an old boiler which means it is more efficient and will save you money.
Determining the amount of oil you will need for the year, depends on various factors. These include the size of your home, how often and for how long you use your heating as well as the efficiency of the boiler. Most homes have a 1000 litre tank which could last for up to 1 year depending on the above mentioned factors.
By following these guidelines, you should have no problems getting used to using heating oil for your energy needs. If you have any further questions about heating oil, you should contact a local heating oil supplier who will be able to help answer any questions or concerns that you might have.
