With heating oil prices changing throughout the year, every drop counts. Whether you’re trying to save money, reduce waste, or simply get more out of your tank, there are plenty of ways to make your heating oil last longer, without sacrificing comfort.
At HeatOilCompare.com, we help UK households cut costs and stay warm efficiently. Here are our top tips to stretch your oil further this winter.
1. Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce oil consumption. If heat escapes quickly, your boiler has to work harder, burning more oil to maintain the same temperature.
Focus on:
- Loft insulation – Heat rises, so insulating your loft can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
- Wall insulation – Solid or cavity wall insulation helps keep warmth inside.
- Double glazing – Prevents heat from escaping through windows.
- Draught proofing – Use door seals, window strips, and letterbox brushes to stop cold air getting in.
Even small upgrades can make a big difference to your heating efficiency.
2. Service Your Boiler Regularly
A well-maintained boiler burns oil more efficiently and safely. Over time, soot and deposits build up, making it harder for your system to heat your home.
Benefits of an annual service:
- Cleaner, more efficient combustion
- Lower fuel consumption
- Reduced risk of breakdowns
- Extended boiler lifespan
Book a professional OFTEC-registered engineer once a year, ideally before winter starts.
3. Use Your Heating Smartly
How you use your heating can have a huge impact on how long your oil lasts.
Try these energy-saving habits:
- Lower your thermostat by just 1°C – You’ll barely notice, but it can cut usage by up to 10%.
- Heat only the rooms you use – Turn off radiators in spare rooms or areas you rarely use.
- Use a timer – Heat your home when you need it, not all day.
- Keep doors closed – Trap heat where it’s needed most.
4. Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators aren’t heating up evenly, trapped air might be stopping hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding them helps your system run more efficiently, using less oil to achieve the same warmth.
Do this at least once a year, ideally before turning the heating on for winter.
5. Monitor Your Oil Levels
Running your tank too low can cause sludge to enter your boiler, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging your system. Plus, running out completely often means paying for emergency delivery, which costs more.
A smart tank monitor lets you track oil levels remotely and alerts you when it’s time to top up, so you can refill at the best price and avoid costly surprises.
6. Keep Your Tank in Good Condition
Your heating oil will last longer if it’s stored properly. Regularly check your tank for:
- Leaks or cracks
- Condensation or water build-up
- Signs of rust or damage
Keeping your tank clean and dry helps preserve oil quality and reduces the risk of contamination, which can lower efficiency.
7. Consider Premium Kerosene
Premium heating oil contains additives that help your boiler burn cleaner and more efficiently. It can reduce soot build-up, improve performance, and in some cases cut fuel usage by up to 10% over time.
It costs a bit more per litre, but often saves money in the long run.
Quick Summary: Top Tips to Save Heating Oil
| Tip | Benefit |
| Improve insulation | Keeps heat in, reduces oil use |
| Service boiler annually | Increases efficiency |
| Use smart controls | Avoids wasted heat |
| Bleed radiators | Better heat circulation |
| Monitor oil levels | Avoids emergency costs |
| Maintain your tank | Protects oil quality |
| Use premium kerosene | Cleaner, longer-lasting burn |
Save More with HeatOilCompare.com
No matter how efficiently you use your oil, the best savings come from finding the lowest price per litre. At HeatOilCompare.com, we make it easy to compare heating oil suppliers in your area, so you can buy smarter, not just burn smarter.
👉 Visit www.heatoilcompare.com today to compare prices, order online, and start saving on every fill.
Use less. Pay less. Stay warm with HeatOilCompare.com.