Are you one of the many UK residents who rely on heating oil to keep your home warm and cosy? If so, you might be wondering how long it should last you. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question, as several factors can impact the amount of time your oil lasts.
Factors That Affect Heating Oil Usage
1. Size of Your Oil Tank
One of the most significant factors is the size of your oil tank. Naturally, larger tanks hold more oil, which means they will last longer than smaller tanks. If you’re looking to minimise the number of deliveries you receive, you might want to consider installing a larger tank.
2. Frequency of Heating Use
Another key factor is how frequently you use your heating. If you live in an area with harsh winters or a colder climate, you’re likely to use your heating system more frequently, which means your oil will run out faster. On the other hand, if you live in a milder climate, you might use less oil. For example, those in the south of England, where the climate is generally warmer, are likely to use less oil than those further north.
3. Efficiency of Your Heating System
The efficiency of your heating system can also impact how long your oil lasts. Older heating systems might not be as efficient as newer models, meaning they need more oil to produce the same amount of heat. While upgrading your heating system might involve a significant upfront cost, it can save you money in the long run by reducing your oil consumption.
4. How Warm You Keep Your Home
Your preferred indoor temperature can make a noticeable difference to how quickly you use heating oil. A household that maintains a warmer temperature will generally use more oil, particularly when the heating runs for several hours each day.
How you heat individual rooms can also affect consumption. Heating every room to the same temperature will usually use more oil than reducing the heat in rooms that are used less often.
5. How Well Insulated Your Home Is
Insulation affects how effectively your home retains the heat produced by your boiler. Properties with effective loft and wall insulation, double glazing and fewer draughts should require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
In a poorly insulated property, heat can escape more quickly and the boiler may need to run for longer. This means two similarly sized homes could use very different amounts of heating oil.
The age, size and layout of the property can also make a difference. Larger homes, high ceilings and open-plan spaces will generally require more energy to heat.
6. Your Household Hot Water Usage
The number of people living in your home and how often they are there will also affect consumption. Working from home, having guests stay or changing your usual heating schedule could all increase the amount of time your boiler operates.
Many oil heated homes also use the boiler to provide hot water. This means the number of occupants and their daily routines can affect heating oil usage throughout the year, even when the central heating is used less frequently.
The General Rule
While there’s a general rule of thumb that 1,000 litres of heating oil should last around six months, many factors can influence this. At OilMaxx, we understand how challenging it can be to manage your oil levels and budget for refills. That’s why we offer a Budget Payment Plan, allowing you to pay for your oil in monthly instalments. We also provide a top-up fuel service to monitor your oil levels and refill your tank when necessary, completely free when you sign up for budget payment, taking the hassle out of managing your oil.
Tips to Make Your Heating Oil Last Longer
Ultimately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long your heating oil should last. However, by ensuring your home is well-insulated, maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature, and keeping doors and windows closed when necessary, you can help conserve your oil. Regular maintenance of your heating system is also essential to ensure it is working efficiently and effectively. By taking these steps, you can make the most of your heating oil and keep your home cosy throughout the colder months.
Get in Touch With OilMaxx
OilMaxx can help you save on your heating oil, give us a call on 0330 232 0101.