Oil Distribution from
Hemel Hempstead to Northampton

News

All the news, press releases and recent updates from FC Dawes.

Winter Precautions for Heating Oil

Winter is fast approaching, and with it the cold weather of the snow and ice. It is very important to prepare early and take precautions to ensure you do not run out, use more than is necessary or fall victim to opportunist thieves.

Order Early – Big, infrequent orders are best

The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers urges homeowners and businesses to be prepared for bad winters by ordering in their supplies in September and October.

Ordering early has several advantages:

• The price of oil tends to be lower in warmer weather (get a free online quote)
• The supply will be abundant as demand is lower
• Deliveries are not affected by poor weather so much in Autumn
• You can plan ahead to avoid running out in the worst weather

In 2010 there was severe weather in November and December, which meant nationally businesses and homes were left with little or no oil due to the following:

• Ordering the minimum amount and running out
• Deliveries could not get through due to the weather
• Depots running low on supplies as their deliveries did not arrive
• High costs of delivery and oil in peak demand

Although it may be tempting to only order the smallest amounts of oil in regular deliveries, this increases the risk you will be caught with no oil in the winter months. It is more financially efficient for you and your home to make large orders.

If large orders are daunting financially, it is worth joining the FC Dawes budget plan to spread your payments, as if you would for smaller orders. That way you can both afford your heating oil and be warm all winter.

Conserve Your Heat – Service & Insulate

Be sure to service your system regularly with a qualified engineer. This will ensure your tank, pipes and boiler is in working order. If you have an old boiler, it may be more efficient in the long term to upgrade your boiler to a condensing or combi boiler as they use less energy and may be more reliable than older non condensing boilers.

Fit loft insulation over 2.5 inches deep to conserve heat. If it's suitable for your home, consider cavity insulation too. Always consult a qualified person and get several quotes. Insulating your hot water tank or fitting double glazing is also very effective. DIY stores often stock temporary double glazing that may be helpful.

Control your radiators independently in each room by using a thermostatic radiator valve, allowing you to switch off or turn down heating in rooms you use infrequently or are often over heated. Plug draughts in walls, windows and doors, and don’t forget the letter box in your front door (but remember the postman still needs to be able to deliver!)

Secure Your Supply – Anti-Theft Tips

Sadly heating oil theft does occur. Depending on your tank and setup, methods to secure your oil may vary. Security must not prevent your delivery, or put life at risk.

Various anti-theft precautions:

• Situate your tank out of sight (at the rear of your house perhaps)
• Fence your tank in
• Use locks to secure fill points and vents
• Install a security light overlooking the tank
• Use gravel for the paths around
• Secure your property’s boundary at all times
• Motion sensor cameras
• Consider an alarmed tank monitor, that sound when there is a dramatic drop in oil level

Finally, although it will not prevent theft, do insure your heating oil and oil tank. Check your policies carefully.

See also: FC Dawes Site Launch