If you’re wondering how to save money on heating this winter, you’ve come to the right place. With typical energy bills almost doubling in the previous year, more people than ever before are looking for the best ways to stay warm for less. By focusing on cost-saving measures specifically for heating oil users, this blog will provide homeowners with actionable advice to lower their winter energy bills and how to save energy in winter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Strategies for reducing winter heating costs when using heating oil
Saving money on heating oil is essential for households looking to reduce their expenses on heating during the winter. Here we will provide some strategies for how to save on heating bills, followed up with some practical tips.
Schedule delivery – A great way to reduce heating oil costs is by signing up for automatic oil delivery services. This saves time and energy, and many companies offer discounts for customers who are enrolled in their service programmes.
Upgrade your heating system – Upgrade your system for a lower cost, long term solution. Make sure to consider the upfront cost of installation of the new system, but remember to think about the future savings you’ll be making, too.
Practical tips to save money on heating:
- Buy oil in bulk during off-peak seasons. It makes sense to buy oil when it’s off-peak. Not only will it be cheaper, but by buying extra, you’ll save yourself money. Buying oil when it’s already cold, will result in having to pay more per oil canister.
- Regularly service your oil boiler to maintain efficiency. Looking after your boiler and getting it serviced annually is worth your time. If a boiler isn’t maintained, it can become less efficient, and a build up of sludge can make it harder for the boiler to do its job properly.
- Save money by using your boiler effectively. You might have heard some discussion about boiler flow temperature. This refers to the temperature of the water that is pumped from your boiler to your radiators. Combi boilers work best when this water is heated to 60 degrees or below, but most in the UK are set between 70 and 80 degrees. Reducing the flow temperature won’t affect the temperature of your hot water but it can save you money, so it’s worth considering.
- Improve home insulation to retain heat. Fitting draught-proof strips to windows and doors is a relatively quick and easy job that can make a big difference. Cutting out draughts stops heat escaping and prevents cold air from entering your home. You’ll feel warmer and might be able to turn your heating down or even off.
In line with that, choose thick or thermally lined curtains to keep heat in the rooms you use the most often, making them feel more comfortable. Additionally, if you have an open chimney you don’t use that often, you can buy a removable chimney draught proofer to keep your room even warmer, too.
Oil additives that improve burn efficiency can save money on heating
Oil additives can greatly improve the efficiency of oil-powered domestic appliances such as central heating systems and range cookers. There are different types of fuel additives: stabilisers and enhancers. They’re both designed to improve fuel performance and efficiency.
In terms of heating oil additives, there are five types of chemicals commonly used – stabilisers, biocides, cleaners, demulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors. Here are two of the best types for increasing efficiency:
Blue Burn Premium Kerosene – This is a kerosene fuel with an addictive mix for use in domestic boilers. This mix has been manufactured to help boilers run clearly, smoothly, and more efficiently. A bonus is that it also gives off a non-fuel, vanilla scent.
Blue Burn Cooker Kerosene – This is a kerosene that contains specialist additives for use in AGAs and range cookers. The 28-second kerosene is mixed with additives that are designed to improve the efficiency of your cooker.
Both are perfect if you’re wondering how to save energy in winter.
Ways to monitor oil usage with smart metres
Monitoring your oil usage with smart metres can help you manage your consumption more efficiently and avoid unexpected shortages:
- Smart Oil Gauges allow you to track your heating oil levels in real time through mobile apps. The monitors use sensors to measure the oil levels and send alerts when it’s time to reorder.
- Some smart monitors can automatically schedule oil deliveries based on your usage patterns.
- Smart oil monitors come with features to help you track your spending and see how changes in your settings affect your consumption and costs.
For free and fast delivery on all tanks, contact us at Quick Tanks and benefit from the lowest prices on bunded oil tanks.