Heating Oil

Across the UK and Ireland, oil is a primary fuel source for commercial and domestic heating systems. Historically heating oil systems have been used in rural and agricultural areas where gas networks were absent - however, even with the introduction of gas supplies to these areas, many establishments retain their oil based heating systems, due to their low running costs and high efficiency.

Heating Oil Infographic

Where does oil come from?

Heating oil has many names including 28 Sec, Kero, Kerosene and Burning oil. It is a product obtained from crude oil through a process called fractional distillation. Crude oil is heated and separated at different temperatures to produce different products that are used around the world every day; from bitumen (used to tarmac roads) to fuels including the same heating oil used to heat your home.

Heating oil systems

Heating oil systems work in the following way:

• Oil is stored in a tank normally above ground, but sometimes on a subterranean level

• The tank is connected to a boiler

• Oil is pumped into the boiler through a dedicated pipeline where it combusts in order to heat a separate water supply

• The heated water is pumped from the boiler around a property through a connected pipe and radiator system. Heating oil is an incredibly efficient fuel – this means you get excellent return for every unit of energy used

Heating Oil Supply and Deliveries

Heating oil is not supplied to properties in the same way that gas or electricity is. Both gas and electricity have dedicated networks of pipeline and cabling respectively that connect to individual properties. Heating oil is delivered to individual properties by road based supply tankers – when a property requires additional fuel, a request is made to a heating oil supplier and the delivery is made. This method of delivery has the advantage over gas and electric heating systems in that large quantities of oil can be ordered while demand is low - usually during summer and stored until it is needed. This can be a great way to save money as off-peak seasons may coincide with a reduction in oil prices. We find that many customers who plan ahead can make great savings on their annual fuel bill. Here are a few tips from ValueOils to help you get the most for your money:

How to Save Money on Your Fuel Bill

• Keep an eye on oil prices – Knowing when the price of oil drops and when the best time to bag a bargain is can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, we have lots of information and insight into price trends which you can check out on our oil prices page.

• Stock up for winter – It’s obviously not going to be practical to stockpile thousands of litres of oil for the winter - but having a sensible stock of reserve or emergency fuel will not only help you to reduce your costs when the price of heating oil goes up during the winter, but it also gives you the assurance that you won’t get caught short if a delivery is delayed due to severe weather conditions. Snow worries!

• Boiler servicing – Having a boiler that works efficiently is a crucial factor in making sure you save money on your energy and heating bills. ValueOils can service your boiler for as little as £59.90 (price varies by location - check our services page for exact prices). Get in touch with us here to find out more.

• Upgrade your order to Eco-Heat as this helps to maintain peak performance of your heating system, reduces running costs and reduces carbon footprint.

• We have many more money saving tips and ideas currently listed in our blog!

Where can you buy Heating Oil?

From ValueOils.com! We have specialised in supplying heating oil throughout the UK & NI since 2006 using our extensive network of heating oil suppliers. We pride ourselves not only on being great value for money but also on our level of customer service, safety and efficiency. Wherever you are in the UK our suppliers will always strive to deliver what you need, when you need it. Why not use our ‘Quick Quote’ form on the right hand side of this page to find out our price for your area. Alternatively you can get in contact with us by clicking here.