If you use heating oil for warmth in your home, obviously, the last thing you want to do is run out of your source of heat in the depths of winter, not least if you have children or older people living with you, or anyone else who may be vulnerable.
Oil-fired boilers automatically turn off if there’s no fuel left to burn. And while this shouldn’t lead to any safety issues, it can sometimes be tricky to get your system going again.
The good news is that there are various things you can do to prevent this from happening, especially if you plan proactively, monitor supplies regularly and schedule your deliveries strategically, before the weather really starts to bite.
Here’s what you need to do to avoid running out unexpectedly:
- Be winter ready
This is one of the most important proactive things you can do to ensure a steady supply of heating fuel. Have your boiler and oil tank serviced every year by an OFTEC-registered engineer. In an ideal world, you’d do this during the summer so that both your boiler and tanker work at maximum efficiency and you don’t experience a breakdown when you most need your system to be working properly.
Read more in our guide to looking after your oil tank during the winter months.
- Monitor oil levels
Throughout the colder months, check your oil level every week with a dipstick, as you would the engine oil in your car, or check the gauge on the tank. In most models, this is a clear plastic tube on the side called a sight gauge so use this, although over time it can discolour, making it hard to get an accurate reading. So you may want to fit an electronic gauge instead.
It’s also sensible to order oil when your tank is still 25% to 30% full, so that you allow yourself enough time for a delivery even if the weather holds things up or at times of strong demand.
Something else you can do to reduce stress is to think about fitting a smart oil monitor giving real-time tracking via an app on your mobile which can even send you alerts so you know about the situation is, and automate ordering.
- Scheduling and delivery
Most providers offer a number of different options for delivery, from 10 working days to turning up with the delivery the next day. But it will depend on the season and how busy your supplier is.
If you time your orders accurately, you may be able to secure better rates and, again, you’ll make sure that you don’t run out of fuel. The following tips should help you do that:
- Don’t leave it too late to place your order
The optimal time to place your order for your main supply for winter is earlier than you may have realised – during the late summer or early autumn, i.e. August and September. That gets your request in before the winter peak when prices start to go up, and waiting times become longer.
Another benefit of ordering well in advance of any expected extreme weather is that you don’t have to worry about severe conditions like snow or ice potentially preventing heavy fuel tankers from accessing your property, especially if you live in a rural area.
It could also be worth thinking about automatic delivery, which many providers offer. Essentially, this means the supplier automatically schedules your refills, based on data of what you’ve used in the past and what the weather is expected to be like. And it could be very useful indeed in terms of giving you peace of mind.
Additionally, when it comes to advance planning, don’t forget to factor in holiday times such as Christmas and New Year, when depots may not be open, and the amount you use is likely to increase. The same applies if you are having people to stay – make sure you have enough oil to see you through any periods of depot closure.
On the day of your delivery, or ahead of severe weather, clear a safe path to your tank’s fill pipe. Shovel away any ice or snow or remove other obstacles for a smooth delivery.
Finally, check to see whether you might qualify for any priority schemes. For example, if someone in your household is aged 75 or older, there are things like the programme from UKIFDDA, The Fuel Distribution Association, which prioritises deliveries of fuel to those who are vulnerable.
Stay toasty this winter with LV Fuel Services
At LV Fuel Services, we’re highly experienced at what we do and at providing a professional, friendly and reliable service to all our domestic and commercial customers. We have all the necessary certifications and environmental agency licences. (We have a zero-waste policy and recycle 100% of our waste.) Plus we operate across the UK, and have built up our solid reputation over a quarter of a century.
And our comprehensive portfolio of services covers a wide range of needs and includes tank cleaning, maintenance, installation and replacement, removal, inspection and more. We even have an emergency heating oil service for if the worst happens.
You can also call us 24/7 if you have an oil tank leak.
So book with us and you know you will be in safe hands. Request a quote here, whether you’re a business or homeowner.
Call 0800 799 9739 or email info@lvfuelservices.co.uk and make us your trusted partners – our engineers can get to any location. Work with us and make sure you stay warm and cosy all winter long with an efficiently working heating oil tank.
