This is a question often asked and there is no definitive answer of how much home heating oil you need.

From our experience with over 33 years in the business, the average household has a tank size which requires  900 – 1100 litres of home heating oil. This would be a standard 4 bedroom semi-detached house in an urban setting. Should you fill this tank once a year or ½ fill twice a year is entirely up to you.

The precise volume will be affected by several factors, including:

  • Weather conditions which are ever-changing, you can expect colder weather now for many months in the year.
  • Age of your property. It is accepted that a house built pre 1980 will cost 3 times as much to heat as a new house.
  • How well your property is insulated? A home can on average lose 20 – 30% of its heat through the walls which rises even further if they are not insulated. Up to 30% can be lost through a poorly insulated attic. Insulation will reduce heat loss and your heating bills.
  • Size of your property. Obviously, a smaller compact house can be substantially less cost than a large house.
  • How efficient your heating system is? It makes sense to have your boiler serviced and make sure it is working properly as a poorly performing boiler will increase the costs of your energy bills.
  • How often you are at your property? It was often the case that an hour in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening would suffice to have the heat on but with working from home and home-schooling becoming the norm it is safe to say families are at home much more, therefore, heat is on longer.
  • How many people are living on the property? A shared house for students or working professionals may require the heating to be on longer and at different times to suit the different comings and goings. The longer the heating is on for the quicker your home heating oil will run out.
  • You can call us here at Corrib Oil and we will do our best to give you an accurate estimate based on these factors. We can also advise on savings plans from as little as €20 a month meaning you always have credit in your account and never have to worry about not having funds to order oil in the cold weather.

Check our website  Corriboil.com for details of the Home Heating Plans or call us today on 1800 267742. You can also follow us on our Facebook page.

 

Your oil tank plays a huge part in keeping your oil secure and your home warm. It is vital to care for it and make sure it is functioning well.
If you are getting one installed for the first time it is better to get some help from the professionals who can advise the best size tank for you and determine the best location for your tank.
If your tank is more than a few years old then make sure you give it regular checks.
You should always check the following :

• Make sure its legs are not folding under the weight.
• Have a look under the tank to make sure it is still stable and has no cracks in it.
• Make sure the tank gauge is working properly and see that the level goes down as oil is used.
• Check that the venting whistle makes a sound when you are filling the tank. If it does all is in good order.
• Inside your tank the oil should look clear. Condensation can build up in the tank and will trap water. As oil floats on water cleaning is necessary to rectify this.
• Make sure the tank is in a good location giving it protection from the elements such as strong winds and snow.
• It is important to check that branches will not fall on the tank as it could cause leaves to fall in the tank.
• Fencing around the tank will keep it secure and deter burglars.
• If the tank is blackened you may have water leaking into it. Check the pipes that connect to the tank for drips or dampness. Do the same for filters and valves.
• It goes without saying checks for leaks need to be done on a regular basis as this can cost you a lot of money if a leak goes unnoticed.

Oil tanks usually come with a 10year lifespan. That gives some idea of the lifetime that should be expected from them. As your tank starts to age keep an even closer eye on it.
A newer tank is an investment but will save you money in the long run.

As you check your tank and if you see at any time you need to order oil call 1800 267742 or order on Corriboil.com