Heating Oil Boilers – Looking After Your Oil in Adverse Weather Conditions

This time last year, both Ireland and England were plagued with seriously adverse weather conditions; with part of South West UK disappearing under water in scenes of dramatic flooding. Of course, what causes these ‘freak’ floods, severe rains and sudden snow storms is still a matter of debate; with many people pointing the finger firmly at climate change.

Whatever the cause may be, it’s undoubtable that extremes in weather can play havoc with your oil heating system. It’s a shame, when home heating oil prices are so low, to lose valuable fuel due to bad weather; so it’s important to take precautions wherever possible.

Making the most of the oil prices NI, and looking after your supply

Many people make the mistake of believing, once winter is over, that they don’t need to worry about water or weather damage to their heating systems. Whilst it’s true that you’re unlikely to be plagued by frost in your pipes for the next ten months or so, the same cannot be said for water.

A major problem is water in your tank, which can be hazardous. In times of increased rainfall or flooding, it’s far more likely that you’ll experience this problem. A common problem is water entering the oil line through an exposed site gauge or a bevelled tank top where water has “ponded” beside a fill point. It’s especially common in winter or periods of heavy rain for these things to happen.

Why water in your heating system is a big problem

Frozen water is an obvious problem, as it can quite literally block the pipes, causing your system to stop functioning. However, water in your heating oil supply is also a significant problem, as it can have an adverse effect on the performance of your heating system

. This is especially frustrating if you’re currently enjoying the reduced home heating oil prices; as you’re effectively not making the most of your significant savings.

How to stop the weather affecting your heating

By far and away the most effective way to prevent water or frost damaging your system is to get it regularly serviced & checked by a team of professionals. It’s essential to have your tank regularly checked over; as even small gaps and broken seals can allow water to leak into the system; which at best, may reduce efficiency, and at worst, may prove to be dangerous, or break your heating system. A professional service will ensure that there are no ‘weak points’ in the system where water can enter. It will also guarantee that your system is running on optimum efficiency, and that you’re getting the best possible value from the lower oil prices, NI

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Home Heating Oil: Getting Your Heating System Prepared for Spring

It certainly feels as though it’s been a long winter; and that heating systems across the UK and Northern Ireland have been working to the max to keep people warm in their homes. However, finally spring is around the corner, and with it, we can anticipate some warmer weather. As a consequence, it’s likely that your home heating oil system will be getting less use.

Warmer weather – ignore the boiler?

Whilst the hotter weather may indicate a welcome chance to turn off the heating, throw open the windows and enjoy some much needed sunshine; it’s inadvisable to see it as an opportunity to completely neglect your boiler.

After all, it’s only a matter of time before the summer temperatures cool off, and we find ourselves urgently needing the heating on again!

To ensure that your home heating oil system is in tip-top shape and ready to be used when you next need it, here is a handy spring check-list.

Oil heating system check-list for spring

Just a few basic preparations could mean the difference between a healthy boiler in autumn, and a frustratingly faulty heating system.

In spring, it’s a good idea to:

2. Get your system cleaned. Over the winter, it’s likely that your heating system will have accumulated a lot of soot and scale; which can make the system really inefficient. Of course, inefficiency is not what you want, as it raises the running cost, which means a larger dent in your wallet!

Additionally, soot contains sulphur. If this isn’t cleaned out in spring, the sulphur reacts with water left in the system to form an acid, which can corrode your system from the inside. As a result, it makes sense to get it professionally cleaned as soon as the warmer months arrive. Remember to ensure that the filters, coils and reflecting plates are also given a good clean, to maximise efficiency when you need to use it again

. 2. Make the most of low kerosene prices. Of course, heating oil prices are at an unprecedented low at the moment anyway; which makes it a good time to buy. However, regardless of fluctuating kerosene prices; it’s generally a good idea to purchase in the spring or summer anyway; as demand is less and prices are often lower than winter months.

If you’re not sure what the current prices are, just ask your heating oil supplier.

2. Invest in an annual service. It’s advisable to book your heating system in for a service in the spring (when you don’t need your heating as much), rather than wait for your system to go wrong in the winter months, when you desperately do need it! It’s likely that your heating oil suppliers will also service your system for you.

Get your heating system in optimum shape this season

To get your heating system primed and ready for the next winter, simply get in touch with Value Oils today. We’ll clean and service your heating system, and ensure that it won’t let you down when you next need it most.

Keeping warm this winter: four things UK residents need to Know

There are 4 million customers who are not connected to the national gas grid and many of them use heating oil to keep warm and some also use it to do their cooking, normally through an AGA or range cooker. Heating oil is stored in a tank on the property. It is a good idea for heating oil users to take notice of the heating oil prices and certainly the heating oil price in their area. This will keep residents from paying too much for the heating oil they need.

Before purchasing heating oil for your oil boiler, here are a few things you should consider.

There are several types of oils used in UK homes to generate heat for a family or a couple or single person living in a rented flat or house they own. What heating oil your boiler needs may depend on its age and the type of boiler that you have.

Kerosene Oil - It is called 28 second oil by many UK residents and it is a cleaner, burning oil. This is the type of oil that most home boilers may use and UK residents are more likely to use in their oil or combo boilers.

Gas Oil - This type of oil is known as 35 second or red oil because it is a heavier oil. It is generally used in older boilers, which have not been replaced and not under the newer Energy Compliant regulations for businesses. This oil is used more in commercial and also agricultural ventures. It is also much more expensive than kerosene.

1.New residents, who have moved to a new property, should be able to see the oil type marked clearly on a boiler. If not, ask the previous owner. If they cannot help, contact the OFTEC or Oil-fired industry Trade Association to learn your boiler type.The vast majority of domestic UK oil boilers will use kerosene (also referred to as heating oil)

2.Should you buy premium kerosene? This kerosene can cost 2 – 5 pence per litre more than standard kerosene. You could also purchase a bottle of additive and add the additives yourself. Bottles of additive typically can cost £15+ and treats up to 1,000 litres of heating oil.

3.What should you do if you have appliances that may use heating oil? Before you rush out to buy heating oil, check with the manufacturer. Some manufacturers require heating oil be used. If your manufacturer is Aga, this is certainly the case. However, it is best to ask before finding the best heating oil prices and buying some and not needing it. Remember, heating oil costs can fluctuate, varying from 35p to more than 56p. Many factors can influence the heating oil prices across the UK, including exchange rates, quantity ordered and global market data to name a few

Get an instant domestic or commercial heating oil quote now from ValueOils.com - the UK's leading on-line independent home heating oil supplier, headquartered in Belfast. By utilising our extensive network of quality heating oil suppliers, we are able to offer you competitive heating oil prices, fast delivery, and customer satisfaction all year round, no matter where in the UK or Northern Ireland you are based.