Find out about Heating Oil
Heating Oil
There are millions of homes in the UK not connected to the gas grid and instead are using a different type of fuel to keep their home warm. Around 1.5 million households use heating oil to heat their home.
Homes which use heating oil store this in a tank, purchasing more oil for the tank when their supply is low.
Types of heating oil
There are 2 types of heating oil and it is important to know which one your home uses:
- Kerosene heating oil – the most commonly used oil in the UK. Also known as ’28 second oil’ or ‘heating oil’
- Gas heating oil – mainly used for older boilers. Also known as ’35 second oil’ or ‘red diesel’
The heating system in your home should be labelled to show the type of oil needed. If unsure you can check by reaching out to a Oftec registered technician.
How to get the best heating oil price
The price of heating oil can change regularly throughout the year. The price is affected by several factors such as:
- Where you live
- Time of the year you are buying oil
- Local demand
- The amount of oil you are buying
- The weather
- Political and economic changes
To get the most oil for your money, you’ll need to stay on top of price changes, plan ahead, and compare your options often.
Step‑by‑step guide: How to compare heating oil prices and order oil
1
Check your oil level often
Stay on top of how much oil you have left. When your tank is about a quarter full, it’s a good time to start planning your next order.
2
Decide how much oil you want
Oil tanks come in different sizes. If you can afford to, fill your tank instead of buying a small amount. You will save in the long run, because the more oil you buy the less you’ll pay per litre.
3
Get quotes from different suppliers
Call a few heating‑oil companies and ask how much they charge.
Write down:
- the price per litre
- any delivery costs
- how long delivery will take
4
Compare the prices
Look at the total cost from each supplier. Some may charge extra for fast delivery, so check if you really need it.
5
Try to get a better deal
Once you know the cheapest price, ask another supplier if they can match it or beat it. Then ask the others again to see if they can offer something even better. Choose the deal that saves you the most money.
6
Think about joining an oil club
Some areas have oil clubs where lots of people order together. Bigger orders can mean cheaper prices. Many oil clubs are free to join.
General tips to avoid spending more than you need to
- Order before you run out
If you wait until you are nearly out of oil, you may have to pay extra for fast delivery. Ordering early gives you time to shop around. - Buy in summer if you can
Oil is often more expensive in winter because more people need it. Bad weather can also slow down deliveries. Buying in summer is usually cheaper and easier. - Buy in bulk if you can
Buying more oil at once often works out cheaper per litre. If you can’t afford a full tank, joining an oil club might help you get a better price. - Service your tank and boiler once a year
A yearly service helps keep everything safe and working well. It can also spot problems early, like leaks, which can waste oil. Use an Oftec registered technician for your annual service.
