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How long will my heating oil last?

With rising household bills, knowing how much heating oil you can expect to use helps you to prepare and budget for winter. Let's explore usage and how to spread the cost.

Written by
Shaun Curtis
on 23 May 2023
and updated on
09 Jan 2024
Categorised in
Tips and Advice

In the UK, the amount of heating oil a house uses can also vary depending on factors such as the size of the house, the insulation, the age and efficiency of the heating system, and the local climate.

As a rough estimate, a typical UK household using heating oil as its primary heating source consumes around 2,000 to 3,000 litres of heating oil per year. This equates to approximately 5.5 to 8 litres per day during the heating season.

Again, actual usage can vary widely based on factors meantioned above, it's best to consult with a heating professional or track your usage over a heating season to get a more accurate estimate of how much heating oil your house might use.

How long does it last?

The length of time that a tank of heating oil will last depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, the efficiency of the heating system, the temperature setting, and the outdoor temperature.

As a rough estimate, a typical 1200L heating oil tank might last a household between 2 and 6 months, depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, a smaller house that is well-insulated and has an efficient heating system might use less oil and last longer than a larger, drafty house with an older heating system.

It's important to note that these estimates are just rough guidelines, and actual usage can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, the frequency of refilling the tank will depend on the consumption rate, which can be affected by changes in weather or the number of occupants in the household. It's always a good idea to monitor your heating oil usage and refill the tank before it runs out to ensure that you have enough fuel to keep your home warm during the colder months.

What is the best way to monitor heating oil usage?

There are several ways to monitor heating oil usage, depending on the type of heating system you have and your personal preference. Here are a few common methods:

  1. Automatic Tank Monitoring System: This is a device that can be installed on your heating oil tank to monitor the oil level and provide alerts when it's time to refill. The system uses a wireless sensor that communicates with a receiver in your home to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the oil level in your tank.

  2. Fuel Gauge: Most heating oil tanks come with a built-in fuel gauge that allows you to visually check the oil level. Keep in mind that these gauges are not always accurate, so it's a good idea to double-check the reading by using a dipstick or measuring tape.

  3. Manual Tracking: You can manually track your heating oil usage by keeping a log of the date and amount of each delivery, as well as the date and amount of each refill. This can help you estimate how much oil you're using over time and identify any changes in usage patterns.

It's a good idea to use a combination of these methods to get the most accurate picture of your heating oil usage. By monitoring your usage closely, you can identify ways to reduce your consumption and save money on your heating bills.

How can BoilerJuice help?

Connected

Our smart monitoring and auto-ordering service, Connected, helps remove the anxiety of running out of oil and allows you to spread the cost with monthly payments. We handle everything for you, monitoring of oil levels and ordering, all you need to think about is your monthly Direct Debit. 

Payment Plan

If you don't want to be tied to a subscription, our monthly Payment Plan acts as a piggy bank for your heating oil. It's easy and fast to set up your monthly payment, and as soon as you need your oil, you'll have the cost covered.

Heating oil monitor

Prefer to order and monitor your levels yourself? Our monitor 

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