If you are new to heating oil but want to learn more about it – for example if you’ve moved into a new place that uses heating oil in the central heating system – then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will give you all of the information that you need to understand your heating system.
What is heating oil?
There are two different types of heating oil which are commonly used for domestic purposes.
Firstly, kerosene oil is the most common type of oil which is used widely for heating purposes throughout the UK. You may also know it as simply ‘heating oil’ or 28 sec oil. Kerosene oil is manufactured through petroleum fractional distillation and is a by-product of crude oil. Kerosene is the type of oil which you’ll most likely be using to heat your home if you do not have access to the main gas network.
Less commonly used is gas oil, which is produced in the same manner as kerosene oil, however it is heavier and tends to be used mainly for commercial purposes and old boilers.
How much does heating oil cost?
Heating oil prices are subject to change on a daily basis. Oil is traded on the global market, and the price can be affected by a number of different factors including recession, fluctuating exchange rates, level of supply and demand and the growth of global economies to name just a few.
However, recent data has shown that when the average prices for gas, electricity and oil come down it is oil users who gain the most.
How to pay for heating oil
Most suppliers of heating oil will allow you to pay upfront for your supply via direct debit. This method of payment is the most common and is favoured by the majority of homeowners who use heating oil for their central heating system, as it allows you to be sure never to miss a payment and is also an effective way of building up credit for future deliveries. You can also pay for your oil as and when you order it using a debit or credit card.
If you use heating oil in your property, hopefully this guide has helped you to understand more about it. If you still need more information, contacting your supplier is the best option.
