Although oil central heating can be an effective option to warm up your property, it can put pressure on your wallet—particularly in the depths of winter. But don’t panic; we’ve got your back when it comes to getting a grip on your heating bills. Having years of experience catering to Lincoln homeowners, we have the knowledge for making oil central heating systems as cost-efficient as possible.
This guide will help you take practical steps to reduce oil use, maintain your heating system, and cut your overall bills. You’ll be saving money while still retaining a nice, cozy, comfortable home, from regular servicing advice to tips on optimizing efficiency.
What Is Oil Central Heating and Why Is It Important?
Oil central heating uses oil to create the heated water that runs through your radiators and heats your home. It is a popular choice for properties in rural locations or homes that aren’t connected to the gas mains.
The challenge? Heating oil prices can vary greatly, potentially leaving homeowners with an energy bill they did not budget for. It’s this unpredictability that makes being proactive a game changer.
Reasons for Cutting Back on Oil Usage
There are many reasons to cut the amount of oil you use, such as:
- Lower heating bills
- Reduced environmental impact
- Greater efficiency and longevity of your central heating system
With just some simple strategies, you can reap all of these benefits without compromising the comfort of your home.
7 Expert Tips to Save Money on Oil Central Heating
Here’s a breakdown of the expert tips and tricks we recommend.
Make Sure to Service Your Boiler Regularly
A badly kept boiler can consume huge volumes of oil. Arrange an annual service with a Gas Safe engineer who will ensure your boiler runs as efficiently as possible. In the case of service, the engineer can identify small failures before they escalate into expensive repairs.
Hot Tip: If you can afford it, experts at PlumbGas365 suggest checking your boiler before winter sets in, rather than waiting until the peak heating months when emergencies are tres fat & full on.
Replace Old Equipment with a Condensing Boiler
Still using an old boiler? Replace it with a high-efficiency condensing boiler. These models make sure that little of the heat is wasted, which allows saving up to 20–25% on oil consumption compared to older, non-condensing models.
Read Also: It’s worth the initial investment, but pay it off well in the long run. In addition, some government programs provide grants for improvements that make your home more energy efficient, so find out whether you qualify.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
Turning down your thermostat by as little as 1–2°C can help reduce heating costs dramatically. This simple switch can save you an average of almost 10% every year on your heating bills.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat so you can set times for your heat—only heating your home when you are there. For instance, program the heating to go off when you’re asleep or not in the house.
Maximize Insulation
The most cost-effective method walls, heat loss is insulation. Insulation: Concentrate on key areas such as your loft, wallswalls,new hot waterwater cylinder. otherother stepscan take include:
- Install draught excluders on doors and windows.
- Utilizing thick draperies in the winter months
- Putting gaps in floorboards or skirting boards
Better insulation also means that your home holds heat longer, so you use less oil to keep it at the desired temperature.
Keep Track of Oil Prices, and Buy Wisely
Heating oil prices can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on trends and purchase your oil wisely. There are likely to be better deals during summer when demand is lower.
Also, see if you can find a local oil-buying group. Negotiating better pricesIf you can form up a bulk purchase as a community, you can negotiate better prices with the oil suppliers.
Bleed Your Radiators
Air trapped in your radiators can cause your heating system to work harder to warm your home, resulting in greater oil consumption. Bleeding your radiators will make them heat up better and more evenly, meaning you will receive considerable savings on your utility bill.
How to bleed a radiator:
- Turn off your heating system.
- Open the valve with a radiator key to expel the trapped air.
- When the hissing ceases, close the valve.
If you don’t want to do this, just ask your engineer when you have your annual service.
Use Heating Zones
Zoning your home gives you the ability to control the temperature of different parts of your home individually. For example, you can heat up commonly occupied rooms, such as the living room, and keep less-used areas, such as guest bedrooms, cooler.
More complex zoning systems can include smart thermostats, allowing you to control your home’s heating zones with even greater precision.
How PlumbGas365 Can Help
PlumbGas365 has assisted many homeowners in Lincoln and the wider areas of the UK to adjust their heating systems to cost-effective and energy-efficient settings. Whether that be servicing boilers, providing tailored insulation advice, or advising on the best boiler upgrade, we’re here every step of the way to help you.
Call us today for expert, reliable, and dependable heating services that are sure to make your home both warm and budget-friendly.
Next Steps: Towards a More Cost-Effective Home
With these tips, you are well on your way to saving money on oil central heating while keeping your impact on the world to a minimum.
We’re here if you need us, so if you need help, book in for a boiler service or a consultation with one of our Gas Safe engineers today. And you can view our full range of energy-efficient boilers to suit a variety of budgets and home needs.
