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Top 5 Tips for Looking After Your Heating Oil

As a heating oil user you’ll be well aware of how important it is to look after your fuel supplies. Unlike gas, which is supplied as and when you need it, heating oil must be delivered and then stored in a nearby tank – so protecting your heating oil is crucial if you want to stay warm all year round.

Luckily there are a number of ways you can protect your heating oil investment, whether it’s against leaks, theft or just general wear and tear over time:

1) Buy Quality Fuel

One of the first heating oil tips to follow, is to make sure you’re dealing with an oil distributor that abides by the FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) Code of Practice. It’s not much use taking the time to care for your heating oil, if the fuel you’ve purchased is of a poor quality.

2) Protect Your Tank

You should also check that your tank is as secure as possible, to prevent thefts. By monitoring your heating oil levels regularly, you will be able to report any crimes swiftly, particularly in summer when tanks are used less often and thieves are more likely to strike. There are also a variety of locks and alarm systems that heating oil users are encouraged to use, to reduce the likelihood of your tank being targeted. However, one of the easiest solutions for preventing heating oil theft is to position your tank in clear view of the house. That way, you can keep a close eye on your fuel supplies at all times.

3) Maintain Your Tank

As well as protecting your tank against theft, you should perform regular checks to ensure that your tank is well maintained. Look out for cracks and loose pipe fittings as these could lead to a potentially costly oil spillage. As well as the price of replacing your lost fuel, leaks can cause damage to nearby wildlife and water supplies, leading to an expensive clean-up operation.

NOTE: If you do suffer an oil spill, be sure to contact the Environment Agency immediately so that the oil can be dealt with as soon as possible.

4) Consider Bunded Tanks

Using a bunded tank also helps to prevent the likelihood of oil loss. Bunded tanks use a tank-within-a-tank approach, so even if your inner tank suffers a leak, the oil will not damage the surrounding environment. You should also check that any gauges and alarms are working effectively as these can alert you if a leak occurs. Ensuring that your tank is regularly serviced by an OFTEC-qualified technician is also a worthwhile investment, as it can help protect against spills and breakdowns.

5) Take Care of Your Heating Oil

Heating oil itself also requires some maintenance if it’s to remain in the best condition. Over time, moisture and heat can cause fuels to degrade. In order to slow this process, you should consider using an additive. Heating oil additives contain a mixture of chemicals that prevent oil from oxidising and reduces the likelihood of sludge developing in your tank. This leads to a more efficient burn and helps avoid operating problems. Getting a local OFTEC technician to check for the presence of sludge and water in your tank is another great way of looking after your heating oil supplies.

Most heating oil users, are not only concerned with protecting their fuel stores, but also getting the most out of them. In order to achieve this, consider improving your energy efficiency by making sure your home is well insulated and devices are turned off when not in use. By combining energy efficiency with effective protection of your heating oil, you can get the most from your fuel stores, without worrying about the threat of theft and oil spillages.

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Heating Oil Additives: What Do They Do?

With the price of heating oil subject to unpredictable fluctuations, households not receiving energy from the mains gas supply are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of their homes and reduce heating costs. One of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve this is by using a heating oil additive.

Heating oil additives are a mixture of anti-oxidants, dispersants, detergents, corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators and other fuel stabilisers. They offer a number of benefits, including improving the efficiency of the heat transfer between the fuel and the water used to heat your home.

The majority of heating oil boilers work by spraying oil and burning it with a mixture of air. Over time, the nozzle used to spray the fuel and the components used to transfer heat can become clogged with sludge and other residue, reducing the efficiency of the heating process. Heating oil additives can break down these deposits and reduce the likelihood of them forming in the future, improving your tank’s thermal efficiency. When the heat transfer process is made more efficient, less fuel has to be burnt in order to achieve the same room temperature, saving you money on your energy bills.

By removing the build-up of sludge and spent fuel, additives also reduce the likelihood of your boiler breaking down. Some heating oil boilers have been used for decades and whether in constant use or not, rust and general wear and tear can cause problems. Additives contain lubricants to help maintain the smooth running of your heating oil boiler, which means they can provide considerable savings compared to paying for unnecessary repairs. In fact, one 200ml bottle of additive can treat approximately 1,000 litres of heating oil and has a shelf life of two years from the date of production. If heating oil users are looking for new ways of improving the efficiency of their boiler, there are plenty of options available to them, but not many are as cost-effective.

Using additives also helps reduce fuel degradation – a major cause of boiler problems. Heat, moisture and time cause kerosene and gas oil, the two main types of domestic heating oil, to breakdown. However, anti-oxidants contained in heating oil additives stop the oil from deteriorating at such a rapid rate. For the best results, homeowners should use the additive prior to or during delivery. If the delivery driver is unable to apply the additive, heating oil users should make sure that safety gloves and spectacles are worn when mixing.

Top Tips for Using Additives

Although heating oil additives offer a number of advantages, users should bear in mind that it is not a replacement for regular boiler maintenance. It is still recommended that boilers are serviced at least once a year by an OFTEC qualified engineer in order to ensure optimum safety and efficiency. Heating oil boilers can breakdown for a variety of reasons and when unmaintained can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, so regular servicing is crucial.

It is also important to remember that additives do not actually alter the chemical composition of your fuel. Heating oil is already extremely energy efficient, particularly if households are using a modern condensing boiler. Additives do provide a mixture of various chemicals, but the heating oil you are using remains fundamentally the same.

Some heating oil users might find that purchasing premium kerosene is an easier way of getting additives into their tank. Premium kerosene has already been treated with fuel-stabilising additives prior to purchase and enhances the performance of heating systems and oil-fired cookers. In periods where the price of heating oil is high, buying additives or premium fuels can save you huge sums over a long term period.

Purchasing additives may not be an obvious way of improving your heating oil efficiency, at least not compared with servicing your boiler, but it is effective. What’s more, a single bottle of additive can be used over a period of two years, so as an investment it’s an inexpensive way of saving money on your heating bills.

Can Buying Heating Oil Early Help Cut the Cost of Your Energy Bills This Winter?

When you’re in the middle of a summer heatwave it can be a real struggle to think about energy bills and heating your home, but for heating oil users, planning ahead can mean saving hundreds of pounds.

This is because, unlike gas which has a relatively consistent value, the price of heating oil fluctuates throughout the year. Whether it’s the result of crude oil prices, international exchange rates or weather conditions, the current heating oil price is changing constantly. Despite this unpredictability, it is usually true that heating oil prices fall in summer when demand is lower. This may not always be the case, so it’s a good idea to check how the current value stands up historically, but by planning ahead at least you can check whether or not you’re getting a good deal.

Lowering your energy bills is not just about knowing when to buy heating oil, however, it’s also knowing how to buy it. Purchasing in advance gives you time to assess current fuel levels and buy larger quantities, benefiting from economies of scale.

Buying in bulk when prices are low over summer might not be possible for some households due to financial reasons, but there are a few ways around this. Many heating oil supplier group orders with others placed in the same area to help their customers save more on their heating oil, while others offerPayment Plans, which allow you to deposit money into a heating oil savings account each month. You can also check if your local credit union offers oil loans – many do. Overall, there’s plenty of help when it comes to buying in bulk and buying early, so there’s no reason to pay over the odds for your heating oil.

Avoid Getting Left in the Cold This Winter

Buying early can help you save significant amounts on your heating oil, but it’s also about providing peace of mind. Transport can often be disrupted in winter, particularly in remote rural areas, making oil deliveries difficult. Rather than worrying about whether you’re going to spend the night without heating, planning ahead ensures you’ve got a full tank to keep you going once temperatures start to fall. Getting your fuel stores in order over summer is exactly the kind of sensible planning required for households not on the gas network.

If you are looking to fill up your heating oil tank in advance, there are also a few cautionary tips you should be aware of. Thieves often strike during the summer months when tanks are used less often and stolen heating oil is less likely to be noticed. Heating oil users should regularly check their oil levels, even when they’re not seeing much use, so that any thefts can be reported immediately. For this reason if you decide to fill up your tank, it might be a good idea to consider buying security locks or alarms to help protect your investment.

Oil leaks can also be more damaging when tanks are nearing full capacity. Making sure you have insurance that covers both the value of the lost oil and any potential environmental damage is crucial. You should also inform the Environment Agency as soon as possible if you do experience any leaks or spills.

Because heating oil users are responsible for sourcing and storing their own fuel, planning ahead is vitally important. Buying in summer, when demand and prices are low, is the most cost effective way of reducing your heating bills and ensures that you are well prepared for the winter months.

3 Ways to Prevent Heating Oil Theft in Your Area

Heating oil is a valuable commodity and because it is stored locally, unlike mains gas, it can easily become a target for thieves. Heating oil theft not only leaves you out-of-pocket, it can also leave you without any way of heating your home. Crimes are often committed in summer when stores are checked less regularly, but oil can be targeted at any time of year. Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to prevent heating oil theft – check out our three easy solutions below.

Lock Your Tank

One of the simplest ways to secure your heating oil tank is to fit a lock on to the opening of the tank. Locks come in a variety of sizes and generally take just a few minutes to install. In fact, some ‘easy-fit’ locks require no drilling or DIY whatsoever.

If you’re installing a tank lock, make sure you secure both oil extraction points: the filling point and inspection hole. One option you could consider is using a ‘tank arm’, which is a specially-designed lock that protects both from siphoning, but there are other options available.

In conjunction with a secure locking system, tanks can be fitted with alarms which sound when oil levels drop suddenly. Of course, unless your alarm is visible it may not necessarily deter thieves, but it could help catch a thief in the act. In order for your alarm to work effectively, you must check that your tank gauges are working correctly and make sure that you check the alarm’s batteries on a regular basis. Modern alarm systems can also inform homeowners via text message, as well as sounding an alert on-site, so you can contact the authorities even if you’re away from home.

TOP TIP: If you choose to add security measures to your tank, it’s a good idea to install a warning sign to let would-be thieves know that your tank is both locked and alarmed.

Keep a Look Out

It might sound obvious, but one of the easiest ways to prevent fuel theft is to keep a close eye on your heating oil. If possible, make sure your tank is in full view of the house so you can see it, but not visible from nearby paths or roads. Many thieves are opportunistic and are unlikely to strike unless they know that you definitely have heating oil stored nearby. Installing movement-triggered lights can also help, as they will alert you to the presence of any intruders and could startle any potential thieves.

Of course, you can’t watch over your fuel supply at all times, so installing CCTV cameras is another easy way to protect your oil when you’re not around. As with alarms, remember to let thieves know that you have CCTV installed, as it could act as a deterrent. It’s better to stop your heating oil from being stolen than it is to react to a crime that’s already taken place.

If CCTV cameras are too expensive, dummy cameras can be used to give the impression that your tank is under surveillance. While the threat of cameras is probably enough to put off some potential thieves, it’s worth bearing in mind that if you are targeted you will not have any footage to hand over to the authorities.

Be Aware

Another easy way to help prevent heating oil theft is to raise awareness of any crimes that are being committed in your local area. If you know other heating oil users in your community, discuss concerns and work together to think of ways to improve your tank security. It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your tank when you go away on holiday to make sure it isn’t targeted – next time they go on holiday you can return the favour!

It’s also important to look out for reports of oil theft in the local news. If you know oil thieves are active in the area, you can take extra care of your tank. You might also want to consider signing up for free email alerts from websites such as OilTheftWatch, which let you know if any oil-related crimes have been reported locally. Of course, the best way to improve awareness of fuel theft is to regularly check your oil levels, particularly during summer, so that if a crime does occur, it can be reported immediately.

Ultimately, the more aware you are of heating oil theft in your area, the easier it will be to protect your tank.

What do you think – did we miss anything important? Share your top tank protection tips in the comments below!

How to Take Care of Your Heating Oil Tank during Summer

A well-maintained heating oil tank is important for protecting you fuel supply, as well as protecting the environment from dangerous oil spills or leaks. Checking your tank on a regular basis is crucial, and with demand for engineers usually lower over warm periods, summer is the perfect time to carry out some much-needed tank maintenance.

One of the easiest ways to keep your tank in good condition is to regularly inspect it for cracks and damage. Make sure you take a thorough look at the whole tank, but pay particular attention to the lower half of the tank as any leaks that begin here could prove particularly costly. Pipe fittings are another area of concern, so make sure these are also secure. Remembering to inspect your tank regularly is something that could easily slip your mind, so get into the routine of making checks before you place any heating oil orders.

It’s also good practice to have your heating oil tank professionally inspected by an OFTEC-trained engineer at least once a year. Although a professional inspection will cost you money, in the long term it’s likely to prove much cheaper than paying out for costly repairs or even a new tank. As well as seeking professional help, there are plenty of other precautions you can take yourself:

Make sure there are no plants growing too close to the tank, as over time these can cause damage and restrict access for delivery drivers.
Regularly check that any vents and other access points are closed to prevent rainwater and dirt from entering the tank.
If your heating oil tank comes with an alarm, check the batteries every week to make sure that it is working correctly.

The Importance of Checking Your Heating Oil Tank

As a heating oil user, the last thing you want to do is neglect your oil tank. As well as having to replace lost fuel, if your tank does leak you could be left with the cost of cleaning up environmental damage to local livestock, homes and water sources. That’s why if a spill occurs, it’s important to contact theEnvironment Agency immediately, as they can provide advice on what measures to take to lessen any potential damage.

If you use heating oil, it’s also a good idea to keep an oil spill kit close-to-hand and to make sure that your tank is never filled to more than around 85% full, as this will help to reduce the chance of spills. If a spill or leak does occur, you will want to make sure that you have an insurance policy that covers not only the cost of the oil, but the cost of any clean-up fees and damage caused.

As well as the external maintenance of your heating oil tank, you should make sure that your tank is well looked after internally too. Sludge can build up when oil has been stored for long periods, such as over the summer months, and lead to blockages in the pipes and boiler. An OFTEC qualified technician can remove sludge and water from your tank, helping your system run more efficiently. You can also purchase water-finding paste to assess whether there is excess moisture in your oil supply.

Protecting your heating oil is important for your home and the surrounding area and taking care of your tank is vital in order to achieve this. Whether it’s theft or oil leaks, the cost of lost oil can be hugely significant, so take advantage of the warm weather this summer and make sure your tank is as secure as it can be.

Win 500 Litres of Heating Oil with Our Beautiful Tank Competition!

Do you have green fingers? Show off your garden for a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes with our BoilerJuice Beautiful Tank competition!

How to Enter

Simply snap a picture of your heating oil tank looking fab in your garden and upload it to our Facebook page or tweet your pic @Boilerjuice with the tag #BeautifulTank.

After you’ve entered you can vote for your favourite pics, share your entry with friends or check up on your photo’s progress in the Beautiful Tank gallery.

The competition will be running from the 3rd August to the 31st August and the three entries that receive the most votes during this time will win one of three great prizes!

And the Winners of Our Beautiful Tanks Competition are..

So, your votes are in and we can finally reveal the winners of our Beautiful Tanks competition!

We had lots of fantastic entries from beautiful gardens across the country, but in the end you voted Daniel Morgan into first place with his beautifully deigned patio garden, while Lauren Titley and Mr Sands scooped up the second and third place prizes.
Boilerjuice.com's photo.

Boilerjuice.com's photo.

A special ‘creativity prize’ was also awarded to Grannie Annie, who sent in this brilliant picture of her granddaughter using the side of her tank as a blackboard.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

If you missed out this time keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for more competitions coming soon.

How To: Prepare Your Oil Tank for Winter

With temperatures dropping and the threat of snow hovering over our heads, it’s safe to say that winter is well on it’s way. Whether you’ve used heating oil for a while or are new to the game, it’s important to make sure that your tank is prepared for the frosty season, as any issues can be made much worse during cold weather. The last thing you want to be dealing with over Christmas is an unexpected oil leak, so to avoid disaster just follow our simple checklist and make sure your oil tank is prepared for winter.

Prepare Your Heating Oil Tank for Winter

Check Your Tank Levels and Order Early

Generally, as temperatures drop more people turn on their heating. This results in a sudden surge in demand for heating oil, which can cause prices to spike. It’s also more difficult for Suppliers to make deliveries over winter, as cold weather can affect driving conditions and lead to delays. If you want to avoid running out of heating oil over winter it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your oil levels and order as early as possible (you may also be able to take advantage of pre-winter prices!).

Get Your Boiler Serviced

If you use your boiler less over warmer months, it’s important to make sure that your system is prepared for the extra strain it will experience over winter. Unfortunately, oil-fired boilers are particularly prone to soot build-up, which can cause expensive maintenance issues and deadly carbon monoxide leaks. By booking a boiler service with an OFTEC-registered technician you can avoid unexpected winter breakdowns and make sure your boiler is working as efficiently and safely as possible.

Examine Your Oil Tank for Signs of Damage

It is important to regularly check your tank for signs of damage, especially over periods of bad weather. You should look out for cracks, rusting and tank bulging or distortion, as well as loose or damaged caps and filling points. If left unattended, these issues could result in oil leaks or allow water to enter the tank, resulting in pipe blockages and boiler damage.

Check Your Tank Base and Pipes for Damage

Over winter, small cracks in your tank base or pipes can expand. This increases the chance of oil leaks and makes the area around your tank unsafe. If your base or pipes are not up to code, you may be unable to receive oil deliveries, and your tank is more likely to be damaged by flooding or high winds. For this reason, it is important to make sure that all external parts of your tank are structurally sound, and any cracks are fixed before cold weather hits.

Cut Back any Overgrown Plants Around Your Tank

If you’re an avid gardener it’s likely that you’ll already be in the process of preparing your garden for winter. If so, make sure you pay attention to the area around your oil tank. Any plants that cover your tank or base area should be removed as these can restrict delivery access and make it harder to spot tank damage. It’s also a good idea to check any vents or bund areas, as they can become clogged with leaves and debris over autumn.

Lubricate Your Tank Lock

Heating oil theft is more common over winter so it’s important to make sure that you can easily use any security equipment you have available. If you think your tank lock could seize-up during cold spells, make sure you lubricate it regularly. When it comes to tank security, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

The Winner of Our Spooky Pumpkin Competition Was…

Halloween might be over for this year, but one lucky ghoul has been given the chance to make some scary savings, as the winner of our Spooky Pumpkin competition.

Everyone got into the spirit of things and we had lots of fantastic entries, but in the end there could only be one winner – Clare Leahy, with her terrifying crystal ball scene.

Halloween Heating Oil Giveaway

Clare has a passion for crafting and made all the pieces of this Harry Potter-inspired set herself.

Well done Clare, we hope you enjoy your £50 BoilerJuice voucher!

Want a Chance to Win with BoilerJuice?

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for future competitions, offers and giveaways!

BoilerJuice Supports Children in Need

Today, bakers from across BoilerJuice have gathered forces to host a Cakes for a Cause charity bake sale for Children in Need.

With everything from quiche and sushi, to festive mince pies and gingerbread on offer, our table of treats is fully-stocked and ready for fundraising! Check out the pics of our goodies below or leave us a comment to let us know what charity antics you’re getting up to today.

Children in Need Bake Sale

Charity bake sale

Children in Need bake sale

BoilerJuice Charity Bake Sale

Celebrating 35 Years of Children in Need

Established in 1980, Children in Need was created to help give every child in the UK a safe, happy and secure childhood. The show, which started life as a five minute radio spot, has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular UK TV events, raising over £707 million in life-changing funds along the way.

Every year the team behind the show work hard to pull out all the stops, but this year’s edition is an extra special anniversary event created to celebrate 35 years of Children in Need and Pudsey Bear’s 30th Birthday (Happy Birthday Pudsey!).

Acts for 2015 include a charity version of Strictly Come Dancing, performances by the West End’s leading musical talent and an exclusive Star Wars sketch featuring Warwick Davis and Lord Alan Sugar – we can’t wait!

Want to join in the fun and raise money for a good cause?

It’s not too late! Visit the Children in Need website to find out how to donate now or tune in tonight for the big show from 7.30pm on BBC1.