5 Tips for Winter Oil and Fuel Management

As we rapidly approach the coldest months of the year, it’s time you started thinking about your heating oil requirements for this winter. UK winters are famously unpredictable, so it can’t hurt to be prepared for the worst case scenario, just in case. After all, nobody wants to be shivering as they open their Christmas presents! At Northern Oil, we recommend that our customers prepare well in advance of colder weather, so that your heating system doesn’t fail when you need it the most. Here are five of our top tips for winter oil and fuel management to ensure your home or business stays nice and toasty this winter.

Monitor your fuel levels

Keeping an eye on your fuel levels is important all year round, but especially during the winter. Not knowing how much heating oil is left in your tank is one of the most common reasons for experiencing heating problems and requiring an urgent delivery. Therefore, we recommend checking your oil levels at least once a week during autumn and winter - when your tank is around a quarter full, get ordering! This allows enough time for a (potentially delayed) delivery to make its way to you, without running the risk of running out.

Plan ahead

Speaking of delayed delivery, winter months are always busy for oil and fuel suppliers and so delivery times are at their longest at this time of year. So, planning ahead is crucial if you want to ensure your home or business stays warm throughout the colder months. Ordering early - ideally by October - means you’ll be prepared should the wintery weather hit early or unexpectedly. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid increased costs and delivery times in the build up to Christmas and New Year, when the demand for fuel skyrockets.

Consider weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions such as snow or ice can have a huge impact on deliveries - it’s far more likely we’ll be delayed or unable to deliver at all if the roads are treacherous or there are access issues. Again, ordering early and ensuring your delivery address is accessible means you’re more likely to receive your order in plenty of time and without problems.

Service your boiler

Your boiler works hardest in winter, so it’s recommended that you ensure it’s working safely and efficiently before the cold weather arrives. Failing to do so could result in your property being without heating or hot water when you need it most. As with fuel suppliers, winter is one of the busiest times for boiler engineers, so book your service early.

Check your heating oil tank

It’s good practice to inspect your oil tank regularly during winter months. Book a service in the autumn if you’d like a professional opinion. Things to look out for if you’re checking it yourself include:

●     Cracks

●     Discolouration

●     Bulges

●     Smell

●     Stains

●     Corrosion

How Northern Oil can help

Northern Oil is committed to keeping you and your property warm this winter - home is where the heat is, after all. For over a century, we have provided reliable, competitively-priced heating oil throughout Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire, and we don’t intend to stop now! Place your next order online, or contact us today for more information.