As temperatures drop, many households see their heating oil bills rise. With a few simple changes, you can keep your home warm while cutting back on consumption. Here are ten practical tips to help you reduce your Domestic oil shropshire usage this winter.
Insulate your home thoroughly
Good insulation keeps heat inside where it belongs. Check lofts, walls and floors for gaps and add extra insulation where needed. Even draught excluders around doors and windows can make a noticeable difference
Service your boiler regularly
An oil boiler that is serviced once a year runs more efficiently and burns less fuel. A professional engineer can clean components, check for wear and adjust the burner for optimum performance
Use a programmable thermostat
A modern thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of day. Reducing the heat slightly when you are asleep or out of the house can lower your oil consumption without sacrificing comfort
Lower the temperature by a degree
Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can cut your heating costs significantly over the course of a winter. Most people will not notice the difference in warmth but will see the saving on their bills
Heat only the rooms you use
Close doors to unused rooms and adjust radiators so you are not paying to heat empty spaces. Portable electric heaters can be a cost-effective solution for occasional use in seldom-used rooms
Bleed your radiators
Radiators with trapped air do not heat up fully. Bleeding them at the start of the season improves heat circulation, meaning your boiler does not have to work as hard
Install thermostatic radiator valves
These valves let you control the temperature in each room individually. They prevent overheating and help distribute heat more efficiently throughout your home
Maximise natural heat
During the day open curtains or blinds to let sunlight warm your rooms. At night close them to retain the heat. Heavy curtains offer better insulation than thin ones
Check your oil tank and pipework
Leaks or damage can lead to wasted fuel. Inspect your tank and lines regularly and deal with any issues promptly to avoid unnecessary loss of heating oil
Order oil in advance
Buying heating oil before peak winter demand can save money and help you plan usage more carefully. Keeping the tank topped up also reduces condensation, which can cause problems in storage
By following these steps, you can keep your home warm, lower your heating bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Small changes add up over time and can make a real difference to your winter comfort and budget
