Winter is fast approaching, and that means you’ll be turning the heating on for the first time! However, before you do this, you’ll need to carry out a few essential tasks that will ensure your heating system runs safely and performs as well as possible.
10 Things To Do Before Turning On Your Oil Heating This Winter
Winter is fast approaching, and that means you’ll be turning the heating on for the first time! However, before you do this, you’ll need to carry out a few essential tasks that will ensure your heating system runs safely and performs as well as possible.
Compromising on the safety of your heating system is simply not worth the risk, and a little preparation in advance can take the stress out of the process and help you to enjoy a warm and cosy home all year round. Contact your local heating engineer in advance and get yourself ready for the winter months, and talk to us about making the most of your oil deliveries to save money and keep your heating system in great condition throughout the season.
Your Essential Winter Checklist
Your home oil heating system will keep you and your family toasty all winter, and maintaining it correctly will help you to avoid potential problems and save money, too. Here’s how to set your system up for success this year:
- Service your boiler. Your boiler should be serviced regularly by a professional, and this will keep it running optimally and save you money on fuel. A well serviced system will be more efficient, and less likely to break down when you need it most, so don’t be tempted to compromise on your annual service. Most professionals will offer you the opportunity to book from one year to the next, so you can set yourself up for a positive start to the cold season if your service is already booked into the diary!
- Order your oil. In an ideal world, you’ll have ordered your oil in advance and will have enough oil to get through the winter – or have your next delivery scheduled if you tend to use more than one tankful each year. However, if you haven’t done this, you’ll need to check your tank and ensure you have enough to get you through a bout of cold weather initially. Talk to us if you need an emergency delivery – we don’t want to leave you in the cold, and we can usually schedule a last-minute delivery in these circumstances. The price of oil will fluctuate throughout the year due to global events and demand, so you can benefit from the best prices when you get organised in good time to take advantage of these.
- Clean or replace filters. The filters in your oil heating system will need to be cleaned and/or replaced regularly, and dirty filters will hamper the performance of your central heating system. When filters are new or have been cleaned, your system will work more efficiently and use less oil, so it is a good idea to replace filters at least once during every cold season. If you do not know how to do this, talk to your professional heating engineer, as it may be possible to include this in your annual service or to have the process demonstrated for you.
- Bleed the oil line and your radiators. Any central heating system will be adversely affected if there is air in the line, and this can lead to inconsistent heating and prevent your burner from firing. You may be aware that specific radiators need bleeding if you notice cold spots or poor performance from some radiators while others seem to be performing well. You can bleed radiators yourself or arrange for a professional to do this as part of your annual servicing, and this will ensure a better flow throughout your heating system. You should also ensure that the oil line is bled during your annual service to optimise the performance of your heating system. It is a good idea to keep your radiators clean and minimise dust that could obstruct your heating circulation system.
- Inspect your tank. Inspecting your tank is a very important step to check for leaks or damage, and this should be done before the cold weather hits! A problem with your tank may require a new tank, which may take time to arrange. You should inspect your tank for rust, corrosion or damp spots, and do not ignore any signs of damage. Keeping your tank in good condition is essential for your local environment, and even small leaks can be very damaging, so it is vital to be vigilant. You should understand the local regulations regarding oil leaks, as these will likely need to be reported to the relevant authorities, and know how to check your tank and the surrounding area. We recommend bonded tanks for longevity and safety, and you can talk to our experienced team about the options.
- Check your thermostat. It is a good idea to check that your system is running well before you need it, and this includes your thermostat. Try it out before the cold weather hits and make sure that it is working well, replacing batteries if you need to. There are many options, including smart thermostats for increased efficiency, and you can talk to a member of our team to ensure you are making the most of your system. Remember that turning your thermostat down by as little as one degree can make a big difference to your heating bills and your energy consumption, so encourage your family members to layer up wherever possible instead of turning the heating up!
- Carry out safety checks. It is very important to be aware of the risks your heating system poses in your home, and you should have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors that are less than ten years old fitted throughout your home. These should be kept clean and tested regularly to ensure that they can protect you in an emergency. You may be able to book a visit from your local emergency services to find out how you can optimise safety in your home, and to help you plan escape routes in the event of an emergency.
- Check ventilation. Problems can build up quickly if there is a fault in your heating system, and it’s essential to check that all ventilation pathways are clear in your home oil heating set-up. Blocked flues or chimneys can be very dangerous, and a regular service should check these and ensure that they are clear. If you notice an unusual smell or see smoke, you should immediately vacate your property and contact the emergency services to make sure that you and your family are safe.
- Insulate your pipes. Ensuring that your system is in optimal condition will make all the difference to the performance of your boiler, and this includes minimising heat loss by insulating your pipes. If you have concerns about this, you can talk to a professional who will ensure that your system is operating as efficiently as possible. Insulation throughout your system will help to make the most of the heat your system is producing, and this will save you money as well as keep your home warmer throughout the winter months.
- Upgrade energy efficiency throughout your home. When your home heating system is running as efficiently as possible, you’ll want to conserve the heat it provides and minimise wastage. There are many ways to do this, including using draught excluders around windows and doors, and improving the insulation in your loft. More significant energy efficiency measures may be accessed via government grants, and some are simple measures you can implement by yourself. Simply using blankets and hoodies to stay warm instead of heating every room to a high temperature can make an enormous difference to your oil consumption, and this will save you a significant amount of money, as well as keeping out the cold!
Ensuring that your heating system is functioning properly and that you are making the most of the heat it produces will save you money and keep you and your family warm all year round.
Top Quality Home Heating Oil in Ireland
At East Cork Oil, we strive to deliver the best heating oil solutions to your domestic and commercial properties across the Southern counties of Ireland. We source and deliver top quality fuels to homes, workplaces and vehicles, including agricultural, marine and road diesel, and our experienced team will be happy to help you find fuel solutions to suit your lifestyle and your budget.
Preparing your home for the winter can be challenging, and we can help you with oil deliveries and tank replacements. We offer an emergency ‘out of oil’ delivery service in case your oil runs out unexpectedly, and we provide flexible deliveries and payment plans to enable you to budget for your fuel costs throughout the year. We stock a full range of oils, lubricants, replacement tanks and smart tank monitoring systems, and we will help you with maintenance and annual management. Call today to discuss your requirements, and we’ll find the options that suit you best to keep you and your family warm all winter.
