Domestic Heating Oil

Kinch Fuels are home heating oil suppliers, (burning oil / kerosene) in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Burford, Devizes & Marlborough.

Nearly all oil-fired boilers and cookers are fuelled by Kerosene, although some do require Gas oil. Home heating oil is a good option for domestic heating and hot water where a mains gas supply is not available.

Order your Domestic Heating Fuel & Home Heating Oil delivery

Heating oil can be ordered from Kinch Fuels by telephone or online and then delivered in bulk by our road tankers. Tanker pump readings are taken before and after delivery. We recommend using a regular supplier who is familiar with your location, installation and tank capacity. Oil deliveries are typically paid for by pre-payment or direct debit. Please contact us for any enquiries we are happy to help.

What are the benefits of Domestic and Home Heating Oil?

Heating oil is also known as 28-second kerosene or UN 1223 and is produced in oil refineries when crude oil is distilled at high temperature. The home heating oil produced by this refining process is low in viscosity (it flows easily), low in sulphur content and has a relatively high calorific value. This means that it is a good heat source in combination with relatively clean burning properties. It is therefore viewed as highly cost-effective for building central heating boiler installations and is very popular in the U.K.

The oil is stored in a tank or reservoir; there are various types of oil tank available of varying construction and materials including plastic and steel. Overfill alarms (or other preventive devices) are recommended, to prevent possible spillage from overfilling. Note that any work on your tank and connected systems should be done by competent technicians.

From the reservoir or tank, the oil feed powers the boiler for heating and hot water supplies if selected. In conjunction with modern condensing boilers, which extract most of the heat from flue (waste exhaust) gases, an impressive level of combustion efficiency in excess of ninety per cent can be achieved from this fuel.

Conversely, annual servicing is required for optimum performance and to avoid defects and fumes. Also, heating oil prices have risen steadily over a number of years and will probably remain relatively high due to international demand.

The current heating oil price is between 60p and 80p per litre, which can vary depending on location and the time of year.

Heating Oil Tips

If possible it is a good idea to maintain the oil reservoir or tank with a reasonable quantity of oil in it, as a contingency margin. This ensures uninterrupted oil supplies, for example during periods of particularly cold weather when demand soars and deliveries can sometimes take a few days to arrange.

Keeping the oil reserves above such a very minimum level in the reservoir also helps to avoid or reduce the likelihood of residue and particles entering the supply line and clogging filters and perhaps even causing possible boiler problems.

If you are in any doubt as to your requirements or if you would like a competitive quotation for your next home heating oil delivery, please contact us here.

Here’s our handy FAQs for common queries about domestic oil

What is domestic heating oil?

It is an economical fuel that can be used in your home and domestic setting in order for heating systems to function and keep you warm - especially for customers whose homes aren’t connected to the national grid.

What are the different types of heating oil?

For domestic use, there are two main choices for heating oil. Firstly Standard Kerosene is a lighter oil used in many homes across the UK - also referred to as 28-second oil or heating oil. Then there is Premium Kerosene which is a cleaner and more efficient home fuel in comparison to the standard version.

How is Kerosene made?

This non-corrosive fuel is made from petroleum which is a natural oil found underneath the earth’s surface. The process starts with drilling and distillation using high temperatures and then broken down into different fuels. It can be stored for several years safely within the home making it a perfect choice for domestic use.

What affects heating oil prices?

There are a number of factors that make heating oil prices rise and fall day to day. Just like fuel for your car which fluctuates, domestic oil does too. From the change of price for crude oil to the location of your fuel oil suppliers, the quantity of heating oil required and also the delivery requirements. For example, a short notice request or overnight delivery will be more expensive, as well as if you’re purchasing a small volume of fuel which means you may face higher prices than buying in large quantities.

How is heating oil used in the home?

In the UK heating oil is most commonly used for items such as Aga or Rayburn cookers, oil-fired stoves, hot water systems, standby generators and central heating systems which are stored in a tank.

Can heating oil freeze in the winter?

With a freezing point between -2 and -10 degrees Celsius, heating oil can freeze and thicken or turn into a gel-like substance which can make it challenging for the oil to flow through different lines and cause potential issues with the system. The best way to avoid this is to use winter-grade oil, insulate the tank, keep the tank full, install a tank heater, as well as regular maintenance, especially for long periods of cold weather.

How is domestic oil delivered?

Usually delivered straight to the customer’s oil storage tanks by a licensed tanker truck, they can be arranged with an oil supplier such as Kinch Fuels and scheduled for delivery based on the customer’s usage.

How do I know when I need to put in an order?

Most common oil tanks have a dedicated gauge that shows how much oil you have left. By keeping an eye on this level you’ll be able to determine when is best for you to order. It’s always advised to not let the level drop too low so that you’ll run out of fuel and be unable to operate essential items in your home.

Do I need to service the oil heating system?

To ensure that your systems are operating efficiently and effectively, it’s essential to have your oil heating system serviced on a yearly basis by a qualified technician. This regular maintenance reduces the risk of any breakdowns and also helps to extend the lifespan of the equipment.

How do I choose the right supplier for me?

With a number of different companies offering the same item, you need to consider factors such as delivery options, reliability, customer service reviews and price. By looking online or getting recommendations from other neighbours with similar systems you’ll be able to make the right decision. Kinch Fuels is a first choice for many in the area thanks to our renowned reputation, quality fuels and personalised service.