A Beginner’s Guide to Heating Oil For New Homeowners
Moving into a home that uses heating oil for the first time can feel a little confusing. How do you know when to order? How much heating oil does your home use? Where is the tank? And what happens if you run out?
The good news is that heating oil is a straightforward and reliable way to heat your home, once you understand the basics.
This heating oil guide for beginners covers everything new homeowners need to know, from understanding your oil tank and checking your fuel level to ordering heating oil and keeping your heating system running efficiently.
Whether you have just moved into an oil-heated property or want to understand your heating system better, this guide will help you get started.
What is heating oil?
Heating oil is a liquid fuel used to heat homes that aren’t connected to the mains gas network.
It is stored in a tank at your property and supplied to your home’s heating system. When your heating is switched on, the boiler uses the fuel to produce heat for your radiators, hot water and, depending on your system, other heating requirements.
Heating oil is particularly common in rural areas where mains gas isn’t available.
For many homeowners, the biggest difference compared with a gas-heated home is that you are responsible for monitoring your fuel supply and ordering heating oil when your tank needs filling.
To learn more about Heating Oil, please red our blog post here about Kerosene. For government guidance about how to store your heating oil at home please read here.
How does an oil heating system work?
An oil heating system is relatively simple.
Your heating oil is stored in an oil tank, usually located outside your home. The fuel is then fed from the tank to your oil boiler.
The boiler burns the fuel to generate heat, which is used to warm your home and provide hot water.
In simple terms:
Oil tank → Oil boiler → Heating and hot water
Your heating system will normally have controls that allow you to set when your heating comes on and adjust your home’s temperature.
If you’re buying a house with an oil boiler, it’s worth finding out where the tank and boiler are located and familiarising yourself with the controls before you need to use them.
How do I check how much heating oil I have left?
One of the most important things for a new homeowner to learn is how to check the level of oil in your tank.
Most domestic oil tanks have a gauge that shows approximately how much fuel is remaining. Depending on the type of tank, this could be a mechanical gauge or an electronic monitoring system.
Don’t wait until the tank is completely empty before ordering.
A good rule of thumb is to check your oil level regularly, particularly during the colder months when your heating is likely to be used more frequently.
How often should I check my oil tank?
During winter, checking your tank once a week is a sensible habit.
You may be able to check it less frequently during warmer months when your heating demand is lower.
It is also worth checking your tank before particularly cold weather, Christmas and other periods when deliveries may be busier.
If you have any issue with oil tank spills please read here for guidance.
When should I order heating oil?
Knowing when to order heating oil is one of the most important things to learn as a new homeowner.
Rather than waiting until your tank is nearly empty, aim to order when you still have a reasonable amount of fuel remaining.
Your usage will vary depending on:
- The size of your home
- How well insulated your property is
- The number of people living in your home
- Your thermostat temperature
- How often you use your heating
- The efficiency of your boiler
- The time of year
Winter generally means higher heating oil consumption because your heating and hot water systems are working harder.
Don’t wait until you’re completely empty
Running out of heating oil can be inconvenient and may mean your boiler needs to be reset or serviced before it can operate normally again.
Ordering before your tank becomes empty gives you more flexibility and helps reduce the risk of being left without heating or hot water.
How much heating oil does a home use?
There isn’t one standard amount of heating oil that every household uses.
A small, well-insulated property could use significantly less fuel than a large, older home.
As a general guide, domestic oil tanks can hold hundreds or even thousands of litres, depending on their size.
Your own usage is the best indicator of how much heating oil you need.
When you move into a new property, keep a note of:
Tank level + delivery amount + date
Over several deliveries, you’ll start to build a much better picture of your household’s typical fuel consumption.
This can help you plan future orders and budget for your heating costs.
What size is a domestic heating oil tank?
Oil tanks come in a variety of sizes.
Common domestic tanks can hold around 1,000 litres or more, although the exact capacity depends on the tank installed at your property.
If you’re a new homeowner, find out the capacity of your tank. This is useful when deciding how much fuel to order.
You should also avoid overfilling the tank. Your supplier will be able to advise you on an appropriate delivery quantity based on the available space in your tank.
What type of heating oil do I need?
If you’ve recently moved into an oil-heated home, you may be wondering which type of fuel you need.
Your heating oil supplier can advise you on the appropriate fuel for your boiler and property.
If you’re unsure what your home currently uses, check your previous delivery information, paperwork or speak to your heating oil supplier.
It is important to use the correct fuel for your heating system.
How do I order heating oil?
Ordering heating oil is usually straightforward.
You’ll generally need to provide:
- Your delivery address
- The amount of heating oil you want
- Your preferred delivery date, where available
- Any important delivery instructions
Before placing an order, check your tank level so you know roughly how much fuel you need.
If you’re a first-time heating oil customer, Tate Oil offer automatic top-ups so you can stay worry free and direct debits so you can spread your payments out. If you have any questions please feel free to call us on 03300 552 889 and a member of our team will be happy to help!
How much does heating oil cost?
The price of heating oil can change over time due to factors including global oil prices, supply and demand, exchange rates and other market conditions.
This means there isn’t a fixed price that applies all year round.
If you’re new to heating oil, it’s worth keeping an eye on prices rather than assuming that today’s price will be the same next month.
For an instant online quote for kerosene please see here.
What should I do if I run out of heating oil?
If your tank runs completely empty, don’t panic. Give us a call!
First, check that your oil tank really is empty and that the boiler has stopped because of a lack of fuel.
Once you’ve received a delivery, your boiler may need to be reset. In some circumstances, the system may need attention from a qualified heating engineer.
If you’re unsure what to do, contact your boiler manufacturer, heating engineer or heating oil supplier for advice.
The easiest way to avoid this situation is to monitor your tank regularly and order before your fuel gets too low.
How can I make my heating oil last longer?
There are several simple ways to reduce your heating oil consumption.
Improve your home’s insulation
Good insulation helps keep heat inside your home, meaning your heating system doesn’t need to work as hard.
Check your loft insulation, walls, floors, windows and doors for potential improvements.
Use your heating controls
Rather than leaving your heating on unnecessarily, use your heating controls and thermostat to heat your home when you need it.
A smart thermostat can also help you manage your heating more efficiently.
Service your boiler
Regular boiler servicing can help ensure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently.
If you notice unusual noises, smells or changes in performance, contact a qualified heating engineer.
Don’t overheat your home
Reducing your thermostat by even a small amount can reduce the amount of energy your home needs.
Find a temperature that keeps your home comfortable without unnecessarily heating empty rooms.
How should I look after my heating oil tank?
Your oil tank is an important part of your heating system, so it’s worth checking it regularly.
Look out for:
- Cracks or visible damage
- Signs of corrosion
- Leaks or damp patches
- Damaged pipes
- Problems with the tank gauge
- Overgrown vegetation around the tank
- Water or debris collecting around the tank
If you notice a leak or serious damage, contact an appropriate professional immediately.
It’s also important to make sure your tank is accessible for your heating oil delivery driver.
Keeping the area around your tank clear can make deliveries easier and safer.
What happens when I move into an oil-heated home?
If you’ve just bought a property that uses heating oil, there are a few things worth doing straight away.
1. Find the oil tank
Make sure you know exactly where your tank is located and how to read the gauge.
2. Find the boiler
Locate your boiler and make sure you understand the basic heating controls.
3. Check your oil level
Don’t assume the previous homeowner left you with a full tank.
Check the gauge so you know how much fuel you have available.
4. Find a heating oil supplier
Choose a supplier that delivers to your area and keep their details somewhere easy to find.
5. Check your boiler service history
Find out when your boiler was last serviced and arrange a service if necessary.
6. Keep track of your usage
Record your deliveries and fuel usage. This will help you understand how much heating oil your home typically needs.
Heating oil: a simple routine for new homeowners
Once you’re familiar with your system, managing heating oil becomes part of your normal household routine.
A simple routine is:
Check → Plan → Order → Record
Check: Keep an eye on your tank level.
Plan: Think ahead about your expected heating requirements.
Order: Arrange your heating oil before the tank gets too low.
Record: Keep track of your deliveries and usage.
Over time, you’ll learn how quickly your household uses heating oil and when you are likely to need your next delivery.
Heating Oil Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
Is heating oil the same as diesel?
No. Heating oil and road diesel are different fuels and are subject to different regulations and uses. Always use the fuel recommended for your heating system.
How do I know when my oil tank needs filling?
Your tank gauge will give you an indication of how much fuel remains. Check it regularly and order before the tank becomes empty.
Can I order heating oil all year round?
Yes. Heating oil can generally be ordered throughout the year. Planning ahead can help you avoid running low during periods of high demand.
How long does heating oil last?
How long your heating oil lasts depends on your property’s size, insulation, boiler efficiency, household habits and the time of year.
What happens if my heating oil runs out?
Your boiler may stop working when the tank becomes empty. After receiving a delivery, the boiler may need to be reset or serviced before it operates normally again.
Is heating oil suitable for rural homes?
Heating oil is commonly used in rural properties that aren’t connected to the mains gas network.
How can I reduce my heating oil usage?
Improving insulation, using heating controls effectively, maintaining your boiler and avoiding unnecessary heating can all help reduce fuel consumption.
Need heating oil?
Getting used to an oil-heated home doesn’t have to be complicated.
Once you know where your tank is, how to check your fuel level and when to order, managing your heating oil becomes a simple part of running your home.
At Tate Oil, we’ve been supplying heating oil to homes across the UK for decades. Whether you’re ordering heating oil for the first time or you’re an experienced oil-heated homeowner, we’re here to help keep your home warm.
Ready to order heating oil? Get your heating oil price from Tate Oil today.
