How to prepare for Winter!

Sadly, it is that time of year when Summer is over, the nights grow darker, and the weather becomes colder. It is during this time that we will start to rely more on our home heating oil to keep ourselves and our homes warm. Cold and damp housing can lead to a multitude of health problems, particularly for the elderly or the more vulnerable. This can include sickness, respiratory issues and even hypothermia.  Here in the UK, it is rare for us to experience extreme weather conditions, but it is always best to be prepared. 

 We understand that Christmas can be a stressful time of year for many, especially recently with the cost-of-living crisis and fluctuating energy prices. We hope our handy guide will make things easier and help you to have a relaxing and cosy Christmas! 

Payment Options

Due to the rising costs for households across the UK, we understand that some customers are looking for payment options to help spread the cost for their fuel. 

With the Allan Stobart Savers Plan, a nominated amount is collected and credited to your account. When it is time to place an order, there will be an amount within your account to use towards the balance of the order. 

If there is not enough funds saved within the account at the time of placing an order, the balance will need to be paid prior to delivery. For more information, click here

Before You Order Your Fuel

Before placing your order, it is highly recommended that you check your tank for any damage. The changing temperatures can sometimes cause damage to your tank, and it is important that you check for any cracks, splits, bulges, discolouration, or damaged caps before ordering. Not only can a damaged tank be an unexpected and expensive problem, but it could also result in a non-delivery of fuel until the tank has replaced. 

 Other essential tank maintenance step is to clear away and cut back any vegetation or plants that are situated around the tank. Not only does this make it easier for our delivery team to access the tank, it also stops the plants from growing into any vents and causing any blockages. Overgrown plants and vegetation can also make it harder for any damage to the tank.    

It is also recommended that you have your boiler serviced in preparation for the winter months, especially those that are oil-fired boilers. It is important to have your boiler serviced at least once a year by an OFTEC technician. This will reduce the risk of a boiler breakdown. 

Fun Facts about Kerosene

• Provides more heat per gallon than any other fuel        
• Heating oil can freeze – but not until temperatures drop to minus 47 degrees! ·         
• Kerosene is produced by separating the compounds from crude oil ·         
• Although the level fluctuates, there are around 1.2 million barrels of kerosene used per day – this equates to 246,000,000 litres! ·        
• Kerosene is used in the entertainment industry for fire breathing, fire juggling and fire dancing!

Other Tips For Staying Warm This Winter

• If you have curtains, you can keep them closed at night to keep the heat inside – opening them during the day will allow the heat from the sunlight to filter into the room     
• Window draught excluders and insulating tape can also be used to prevent cold drafts from doors, windows, letter boxes or keyholes.         
• Rearrange your furniture – placing large furniture in front pf your radiators can prevent the heat from circulating around the room        
• Add our Exocet Premium Heating Oil additive to your fuel order and ensure your boiler is performing to its absolute best! For more information, click here.   

 ** Make sure to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours – check their tanks if you can and order together to utilise the lower pence per litre cost of your order! **