Helping reduce the costs and consumption of your heating oil
Year on year we are seeing dramatic changes to the climate and landscape with weather conditions becoming more severe as global warming rates increase.
Notable particularly in winter, the financial implications of dealing with such adversity can put a big strain on the cost of our heating oil bills and energy consumption.
Within your home there are many ways you can keep your heating oil bills low and improve on your energy efficiency. Most of the time you can do both simultaneously from simple changes around the home to assistance from Government incentives.
Heating oil is one of the most widely used home heating solutions, often being regarded as one of the safest and most efficient. Some companies, such as Rix Petroleum, are now offering an alternative or additional 'cleaner burning fuel' product that can be combined with regular heating oil. K+ has a number of active ingredients that have been formulated to give benefits including reduced sludge and carbon residue leading to optimal boiler performance, lower running costs and promoting a cleaner fuel system, to name a few.
A Government initiated scheme aimed at helping the elderly with their winter fuel and heating oil costs was launched this year. For those born on or before 5th July 1951 you could be eligible for the 'Winter Fuel Payment' which would entitle you to between £100 and £300 tax-free towards your heating costs. For more information visit
www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
It's important to ensure that your thermostat and timers have been set to prevent excessive usage. It is recommended that your home is heated between 18° and 21° (in more commonly used rooms). By setting a timer you can ensure that your heating oil is only being used when needed whilst consistently maintaining a moderate temperature throughout.
For many properties, especially older buildings, a large quantity of heat and emissions can escape through holes, cavities or gaps in your walls or even sometimes around windows and doors. Depending upon the size, age of your property and extent of the problem, these can usually be fixed quickly and cheaply and therefore improving energy efficiency.
