Many people in the UK rely on their heating oil tanks to keep their homes warm and comfortable during the colder months. If you use a heating oil system, it’s important to keep an eye on your oil levels to avoid running out unexpectedly. But how often should you refill your heating oil tank?
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about when and how often to refill your heating oil tank.
Understanding Your Heating Oil Tank
Before you can determine how often to refill your tank, it’s essential to know the type and size of your heating oil tank. Tanks come in different sizes for residential homes. The larger the tank, the less frequently you’ll need to refill it, assuming your usage stays the same.
Understanding how quickly your oil is being used will help you predict when you’ll need a refill.
Factors That Affect Your Heating Oil Consumption
Several factors can impact how much oil you use and how often you’ll need to refill your tank.
- Size of Your Home: Larger homes with more square footage require more heating oil to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you live in a larger home, you might need to refill more often.
- Insulation: The better insulated your home is, the more efficiently your heating system can work, which means you’ll use less oil. If your home is drafty or poorly insulated, you’ll likely go through oil faster.
- Thermostat Settings: The temperature you set on your thermostat plays a big role in how much oil you burn. If you keep your home at a higher temperature, you’ll consume more oil. Lowering the thermostat by just a few degrees can help reduce oil consumption.
- Efficiency of Your Heating System: An older or inefficient heating system will burn more oil than a newer, more efficient model. Regular maintenance can help keep your system working optimally.
When Should You Refill Your Heating Oil Tank?
Generally, it’s a good idea to refill your heating oil tank when it’s about ¼ full. This gives you plenty of time to arrange a delivery with us without risking running out completely. Running your heating oil tank too low can be problematic for a few reasons:
- Damage To Your Heating System: If you run out of oil completely, your heating system might experience problems. Air can enter the system, and it can become difficult to restart the heating system after a complete depletion of oil.
- Avoid Emergency Refills: If your tank runs out completely, you might have to pay extra for emergency oil deliveries, which are usually more expensive. Preventing this situation can save you money and stress.
How Often Should You Refill?
On average, most households will need to refill their heating oil tank about once every 1-3 months during the winter, depending on their oil usage.
Tips to Extend the Time Between Refills
If you want to reduce the frequency of oil refills, here are some practical tips to help you save oil:
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set your thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re not home, or at night when you’re sleeping. This will help reduce oil consumption.
- Seal Drafts: Ensure that doors and windows are sealed properly. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to prevent heat loss.
- Maintain your Heating System: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the furnace and checking for issues, can improve the efficiency of your heating system and reduce oil usage.
- Invest in Insulation: Adding insulation to your home, especially in the attic, can help retain heat and reduce your heating oil needs.
Knowing when to refill your heating oil tank is essential to avoid running out of oil and to ensure your home stays warm. Make sure to check your heating oil levels and if you’re running low get in touch with our team today.
We also sell tank monitors which we are happy to install at a competitive cost. This will enable you to see the level of your fuel in the tank from the comfort of your home so you don’t run out or can monitor the levels before it gets too low. Please ask your local Quad Fuels office.
