For approximately 1.5 million homes in the UK, heating oil is relied on to heat their homes throughout the colder months. Here are some of the common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to heating oil Shropshire management in the winter months.
Failing to Monitor Heating Oil Levels
Not knowing how much heating oil that you have in your tank is one of the biggest reasons for running dry and requiring an urgent delivery. Monitoring your heating oil levels through the year is important, but this is especially true in the autumn and winter months, when delivery schedules are at their busiest. Regularly monitoring your oil level is important if you are part of a top-up scheme too, as unexpected changes to the weather of your household could mean that your home is using more or less heating oil than anticipated.
It’s advisable not to let the level of heating oil in your storage tank fall below 12 inches from the bottom. It is good practice to check your oil levels once a week during autumn and winter.
Ordering Heating Oil at the Last Minute
Delivery schedules will be at the peak during October and January with a rush expected leading up to Christmas and New Year. Not being on top of your winter fuel levels could mean that you miss the window for delivery before the festive period.
Delivery times are expected to increase slightly in the winter months to cope with the increase in heating oil orders, therefore it is always encouraged to fill your tank as early as possible, if you are able to do so.
Not Servicing Your Boiler Annually
During the colder months, your boiler will be working its hardest, and failing to ensure that it is working safely and efficiently before the winter weather starts could mean that you are left without heating and hot water when you need it the most.
It is strongly recommended that you get your boiler serviced annually - an annual service reduces the chances of an unexpected breakdown and will detect any problems before they turn into a major issue further down the line. Autumn and winter are the busiest times for boiler engineers, so it is crucial that you plan ahead and book your service in plenty of time.
Forgetting to Budget for Winter Heating Oil
A common mistake made by many heating oil homeowners is forgetting to budget for their increased oil usage during the colder months. The winter season can be an expensive one for many people and families across the UK, as it goes hand-in-hand with the run up to Christmas. An unexpected or non-budgeted heating oil bill could cause some households financial strain.
Thinking ahead to your winter oil needs in the autumn or earlier on in the year would mean that you have extra time to budget for your increased oil consumption during the colder weather. You could even start to top-up your tank in the summer when oil and gas prices should be lower as the demand will have dropped due to the warmer weather.
Bad Weather Delivery Access
A sudden onset of heavy snow or a spell of icy weather can affect the ability of delivery drivers to make a delivery to your home; particularly if you live in a rural location. It always pays to be mindful of the changing weather conditions when considering when to place your winter heating oil order. Ordering before any predicted bad weather will ensure that you have enough in the tank to see you through until a new delivery can be made.
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