Top Questions Customers Ask About Home Heating Oil in Cork

Home heating oil is commonly used to fuel homes in Ireland, particularly in rural areas where it remains the most practical option. At East Cork Oil, we strive to balance consumer needs with environmental considerations, and we always aim to provide the most effective and budget-friendly solutions with our home heating oil

Top Questions Customers Ask About Home Heating Oil in Cork

Our friendly team can help with any questions you may have about home heating oil and the best ways to make it work for you and your home. We’ll take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions here.

Common Questions About Home Heating Oil

The most common questions we are asked about home heating oil include:

1. What types of home heating oil are available, and which one should I use?

Kerosene was introduced to replace whale oil in the mid-1800s and is still used to heat homes today, often as part of a home heating oil blend. It has a low flash point and is considered a safe and effective fuel, and premium kerosene, often called C1 kerosene, is a higher grade option. Kerosene is also known as 28-second oil, and this is often compared with gas oil, also called 35-second oil. Gas oil is a heavier oil that is often used for commercial or agricultural applications. Many home heating oil blends now include bio-fuel components, which are usually derived from plants and algae, and these can be very efficient as well as better for the planet.

2. How can I save money on home heating oil?

Many people ask how they can save money on home heating oil, and we recommend talking to us about our budget plans. This can mean that you pay for your oil throughout the year and that you can be strategic about buying your oil outside of high-demand periods, which will enable you to take advantage of price fluctuations in the oil market. Of course, reducing your heating oil consumption will save you money, and this involves considering your usage and introducing measures such as wearing more layers and keeping active instead of turning up your heating. Turning down your thermostat by one or two degrees represents significant cost savings, and you can talk to us or experiment with your heating to find out the most cost-effective ways to run your particular system.

3. When is the best time to buy home heating oil?

Home heating oil, like the rest of the oil industry, fluctuates in price throughout the year, and this may be influenced by political situations, global markets and demand. In general, prices will be highest during the cold season, when demand is highest, but you may be able to make significant savings by keeping an eye on the oil market throughout the year. Of course, it is also important to make sure that you do not run out of home heating oil, so you may wish to investigate payment plans to ensure that this does not happen.

4. How do I check my oil tank levels?

You should check your heating oil levels regularly, perhaps once a month, to ensure that you have enough oil. Running out of oil could damage your heating system as well as leaving you without fuel, so a reminder system can be helpful here. You should be familiar with your oil tank and its size and capacity, and there will be information on your tank to show this if you are not sure. Many oil tanks include a gauge that enables you to quickly check the level in your tank, but it is important to be aware that these can be faulty, so if you are not noticing movement of the gauge while you are using heating oil, you may need to have this checked. A digital monitor is a good option to monitor oil levels in your tank, and can be set to remind you to order oil at the ideal time. You can also check your oil levels with a dipstick, just as you would check the oil in your car. Ensure that your dipstick is clean and order your next oil delivery when you have around 30cm of oil left in your tank. Ordering more heating oil when your oil tank is around a quarter full will help you to plan and avoid running out of fuel.

5. What should I do if my oil tank runs out?

It is important to ensure that your oil tank does not run out completely, as this can cause damage to your tank. It will also help to avoid sediment and debris from the bottom of your tank getting into your heating system, which can lead to expensive repair bills. The best way to protect your tank is to refill it when it is around a quarter full to keep it running cleanly and avoid the stress of being without fuel. If your tank does run out, however, you will need to arrange an emergency oil delivery. We can usually deliver on the same day if needed, depending on demand, and we will always do our best to help customers in need.

6. How long will my heating oil last?

How long your heating oil lasts will depend on your usage and the type of home heating system you have. You’ll need to consider the size and age of your house, whether you heat the whole house or just the rooms you use most often, what temperature you usually heat your home to and how often you use your heating system. Factors such as insulation and the age of your boiler can also have an impact on your oil usage, and you can use measures such as wearing layers and using blankets to keep the people in your house warmer, reducing the need for heating. A well-insulated home in which the heating is used only in cold weather may only require one tank of heating oil per year, but if you have a larger family or an old or inefficient home, you may require a refill after just a few months. If you are moving into a home that uses heating oil, you could ask the previous owners about their usage and the efficiency of the heating system, and keeping your records to monitor your usage is a very useful way to predict oil consumption going forward.

7. What is a bunded oil tank, and do I need one?

A bunded oil tank is designed for safety and is a good option for homes that rely on heating oil. A bunded oil tank has an inner tank, which holds the heating oil, as well as an outer tank that provides an extra layer of protection. The bund is the name given to the space between the two tanks, where any leaked oil will be contained. There are many benefits to a bunded oil tank, both for the homeowner and for the environment, and they are considered to be a long-term investment in your home. Oil spillages can cause a great deal of damage to the local area, and a bunded tank will reduce the risk of an environmental hazard and ensure that you are compliant with local regulations around heating oil storage. A bunded oil tank is likely to carry a longer warranty than a single skin tank and will last longer, giving you peace of mind and protecting your property as well as the wildlife and waterways in your local area.

8. How do I maintain my oil tank and heating system?

Taking care of your oil tank and heating system can help to avoid costly repair bills as well as damage to your heating system and your local environment. You should inspect your tank regularly and check for leaks, and ensure that your oil tank and your home heating system are professionally maintained regularly. Digital monitors and leak detectors can be used to keep an eye on your tank and alert you to any potential problems, and you should ensure that your boiler is serviced every year.

9. Is home heating oil environmentally friendly?

Oil that comes from fossil fuels is considered harmful to the environment and is a contributing factor to the climate crisis. For this reason, the oil industry is exploring the use of bio-fuels in home heating oil, and this is becoming an increasingly sustainable option. Bio-fuels come from biological materials such as vegetable oils, recycled cooking oil, algae and animal fats, and can be used alone or blended with oils such as kerosene to create fuels that are more environmentally sustainable. Many home heating oils contain bio-fuels, and blends currently range from around 5-20% biodiesel. However, this is a fast-moving industry, and the technology is continuing to improve these options to create more sustainable, eco-friendly home heating oils.

10. Can I pay for my heating oil in instalments?

We understand that heating oil is a considerable expense in your household budget, and we offer payment plans and flexible payment options to help ease the burden. We also have a smart tank monitoring system that can take the stress out of managing your heating system, and we’ll be happy to discuss this with you.

Source the Best Home Heating Oil in Ireland

Here at East Cork Oil, we know that the quality of your heating oil matters, and we will help you to find the best solutions for your home and your budget. We deliver to homes and businesses across the Southern counties of Ireland, and we’ll be happy to discuss the best options for your home, your workplace and your vehicles.