Make the most of your oil!
We all know in winter that we need to do certain things to prepare for the coming cold snap. But actually there are things you can do all year round to make sure your oil-fired heating system works at peak efficiency, and saves you money at the same time. Here are your four seasons’ tips to help you make the most of your oil.
Winter Make sure your boiler is working efficiently by having it properly checked and serviced by an OFTEC qualified engineer, as a small drop in efficiency can lead to an increase in running costs overall. Many boilers that have not been maintained, or have been set up incorrectly to start with, can run inefficiently. Setting up your boiler’s flow and return temperatures ensures your heating system is working at its most efficient.
Check your oil tank as well, making sure in particular there are no leaks or signs of bulging or cracking. Ensure there are no obstructions in the way of the tank as this can make it difficult for the oil to be delivered and could lead to a delay, and potentially running out.
Turn your thermostat down to between 18 and 21 degrees and leave it there. It’s a myth that initially turning up the thermostat will give you more heat quicker! Reducing your thermostat by just 1 degree can knock 10% off your heating bill.
Spring Now is a good time to check all your insulation. According to the National Insulation Association you can lose up to 45% of your heat through an un-insulated roof of your house, and a third through the walls, while only 20% leaks out through your windows. Spending time now to properly insulate will not only make your home more temperature efficient, again it will save you money in the long run.
Summer Many people use an immersion heater for their hot water during summer but you should periodically run your boiler to keep all parts moving and in operation. After all, you would not leave your car for six months without giving it a decent run now and then! And, don’t forget, heating your water using an oil-fired boiler can be more cost effective than other fuel systems such as electricity.
Something else to consider is ordering your winter oil now. The price of oil on international markets, which determines how much we pay in the Channel Islands, can often be less in summer when demand is lower.
Think about setting up a regular delivery service paid for on a monthly basis. This helps spread the cost and also avoids the nightmare of running out of oil at the most inconvenient time.
Something else to check now is your insurance. Many household policies don’t include damage to your tank but you would be liable for any environmental harm and clean up
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caused by a leak. Remember the oil tank, pipework and the oil stored within them are the responsibility of the householder.
Autumn Start getting ready for winter. Set the boiler timer controls to suit your lifestyle, or even consider upgrading your controls to an energy efficient smart thermostat – enabling you to control the heating whilst you are on the go using your smart phone. It doesn’t make sense to be heating the house all day when you are at work, or all night when you are snugly wrapped up under the duvet. If you leave the heating on all day the boiler will try to maintain the temperature, which isn’t energy efficient and increases the wear on the moving parts of the boiler. You also don’t need to be heating your water all day, because a well-clad hot water cylinder will maintain heat until the water gets a boost when the boiler fires up, giving you plenty of hot water when you need it most.
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