New to Oil Heating

Dr_Gonzo_95

Hi Guys,

I've put in an offer on a new build property in Gloucestershire which uses heating oil as it's not connected to mains gas.

I've only dealt with gas heating before so I'm after any tips, tricks and useful bits of information before we move in?

Is there anything I need to check before hand? Is there specific insurance policies I need to take out (or declare it on home insurance?).
I know it's a Worcester combi boiler, but I don't know the model.
I've read the thread about oil prices etc, but is there anything I need to check on the tank before I move in as it's in a fenced off section of the garden.

Thanks in advance.

Lincsdebt

We've lived in a house with oil heating for over 15 years. While I'm not an expert, make sure the tank is approved for safety, but if it's new it should be standard for this.
You'll need to have the boiler serviced regularly, pretty much as you would with a gas one, in areas without mains gas you will find it reasonably easy to find someone. Ask around to see who other people use.
You don't need to declare it on home insurance, or take out any special insurance. Oil is considered one of the standard fuels alongside gas.
If you're in a village, when you arrive see if there is a heating oil syndicate in existence. We have one and they do bulk orders every couple of months. It really does help keep the cost down. If there isn't and there's sufficient interest it might be worth starting one.

Hope that helps.

oysterman

If it's a plastic tank, make sure there are no hairline crack's, look especially if part/all of it is in full sun. On metal tanks & it sits on brick pillar's check for any oil leak or smell of it. I advise people to check the oil level once a month either end or start of the month, especially during the cold months. With a circular tank, surprising how a quick the level will drop.
Oil club is a good start, boilermaker, heating.co.uk also. If you can afford to buy as required it's better. Oil companies will try & get you onto a top up scheme, DON'T. It will cost you a fortune. They will also try & sell you their premium oil, an extra 2-3p a litre. Probably not worth it IMO.