Have your boiler serviced at least once a year.
Boilers are not 100% efficient - around 20% of the heat generated is lost up the chimney. Heat loss can increase to 30% or more if the boiler is poorly maintained.
Regularly check your heating system for leaks.
Water or oil leaks prevent your system from working efficiently. Check for signs of leakage from your tank, pipe work, valves, flanges and boiler.
Avoid ordering small quantities of Heating Oil.
You will get better discounts on larger deliveries. Always order the optimum quantity for the capacity of your tank to get the best value for money.
Fill up your oil tank during the summer months and take advantage of the seasonal variations in fuel prices by filling up your tank when the market price is most likely to be at its lowest.
Try ensure never to run out of Home Heating Oil.
Apart from the discomfort and inconvenience, some oil will be wasted if your system needs to be bled in order to restart it. It will also cost more to heat your home to the required temperature again.
Turn down your heating thermostat.
Reducing the heating temperature in your home even by only 1 degree, could save you 10% on your heating bill! The recommended temperature for an average family home is 20 degrees.
Do not heat rooms which you don’t use – turn off radiators or close vents on unused rooms and keep doors closed.
Seal and Weather Strip your doors and windows to ensure heat loss through windows and doors is kept to a minimum.
Keep radiators free from obstructions. Placing furniture etc in front of radiators will reduce their output and lead to poor performance.
Insulate your attic and hot water tank. This will keep your water warmer for longer and help reduce heat loss through your attic.