ONE: Keep Your Heating Oil System Maintained
Regularly check your heating oil boiler and tank to ensure they are working efficiently and not wasting heating oil. It’s recommended to have your oil heating system serviced annually by a local OFTEC engineer. Visit OFTEC’s website to find a registered technician near you.
Click here to visit OFTEC’s website to find your local registered boiler technician
Additionally, UKIFDA heating oil distributors offer plenty of helpful advice on their websites about ordering and delivery, tips for taking care of your heating system, and tank management.
TWO: Book Your Heating Oil Delivery Early
To avoid weather-related delays and higher costs, it’s best to book your heating oil delivery in advance. During the winter months, emergency deliveries may not always be possible, so order your oil early enough before your oil level becomes too low.
Find your local UKIFDA distributor here
THREE: Sign Up For UKIFDA’s Cold Weather Priority Scheme
If you or someone you live with is 75 years or over, sign up for UKIFDA’s free Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme. This initiative helps identify at-risk customers so that UKIFDA distributors can prioritise fuel deliveries, particularly during extreme cold weather or fuel shortages. This potentially life-saving initiative costs heating oil customers absolutely nothing, and you only need to ask your local UKIFDA member to be included in CWP.
Click here for more about the CWP
FOUR: If You Are Struggling To Pay
For those heating oil users that may be vulnerable or are struggling to pay for their oil, there are a number of government guides packed with useful information and helpful guidance on how to access support where needed.
The Help for Households campaign provides information about the support available to help with the cost of living and offers money-saving tips. Plus, the Government’s Help With Your Energy Bills guide advises on this year’s Cold Weather and Winter payments.
UK Help For Households
Scotland Cost of Living Campaign
Wales Help Cost of Living
FIVE: Choose a UKIFDA-Accredited Distributor
Ensure your heating oil supplier is a member of UKIFDA for the safest and most efficient storage, handling, and delivery of fuel. This accreditation also provides additional customer protection that non-member companies may not offer.
Find your local UKIFDA here
Our final tip is to always get in touch with your local UKIFDA distributor well before needing your oil delivery. This way, you can get the best price and payment options available.
Organisations and websites provide guidance for those needing help and advice with their home heating and energy.
Citizens Advice
Fuel Bank Foundation
Age UK
Advice Direct Scotland
National Energy Action
The Consumer Council Northern Ireland
18th August 2023
