Home Heating Oil

In most cases, no, as long as we can get to your tank you don’t need to be at home when we deliver. However, if you need to know when we’re coming, perhaps to unlock your tank or make sure we can access your property, we can let you know the day before we plan to make a delivery.

There’s a choice of ways we can let you know about a forthcoming delivery of heating oil. We can do this by e-mail, send you an SMS text message or even give you a quick call – whichever one suits you best, the choice is yours. All you need to do is let us know so we can contact you in advance.

We offer a choice of different ways to pay. You can choose whichever makes life easiest for you. 

• By direct debit

Available to all Premium Package* customers you can either make a one-off payment for each delivery or spread the cost over interest-free monthly instalments. Plus you can enjoy VAT paid deliveries, our automatic refilling service, Premium Heating Oil at no additional cost, and emergency boiler breakdown cover.

• By Debit Card

You can pay for your heating oil by debit card over the phone with no extra charge for doing so. Please call our accounts department on 01423 770 170 to make your payment.

• By Cheque

We’re happy to receive your payment by cheque. All we ask is that you make sure that you write your Northern Energy account number on the back.

*Terms and conditions apply

The easiest and most reliable way of checking your oil level is to dip a clean stick in to your tank. To avoid contamination make sure you use one that is used solely for your oil tank. Take the cap off the tank, and put the dipstick right down to the bottom of the tank.  When you take the stick out, the oil will leave a mark, indicating the level of your oil. 

The least effective and most unreliable ways to check your heating oil level are shining a torch in or tapping the tank. Your may have a watchman, a digital monitor that plugs into an electric socket inside your house – these are not always entirely accurate either but we’d recommend you order when the digit reaches 1 or 2 bars.  Most systems are set to flash at this level which is a visible reminder to reorder.  But don’t panic or turn off your heating as you still have oil left in your tank.

To be sure though stick with a stick! Just make sure it’s clean and don’t drop it in.

Whatever method you use, we would always recommend you don’t let your level get too low so as to prevent a delivery stirring up any sediment that may have settled at the bottom of your tank. 

There are two type of domestic heating oil to choose from:

• Kerosene, also known as 28-second burning oil, is primarily used for home heating.
• Gas oil, also known as 35-second oil or red diesel, is usually used for commercial and agricultural purposes, although a small number of domestic boilers do still run on it.

Both are safe, clean, and efficient. Kerosene is most commonly used for domestic boilers and it can also be supplied with an additive (Premium Heating Oil). Premium Heating Oil is slightly higher in price but is more economical, better for your boiler as it burns more efficiently, and is more environmentally friendly. Whether you use kerosene or gas oil depends on the system installed in your house, so it’s important to look at the labels on your tank and oil boiler.

If you’re not sure which type of heating oil you need, then we’re happy to help so you can be sure you’re making the right decision.

Our Premium Heating oil has been specially developed so that we can offer you the benefits of using only the best quality fuel.  Better and more efficient than standard heating oil, it reduces fuel-related breakdowns and service problems as well as improving boiler efficiency. Here are the benefits:

• Lowers carbon & sludge build-up 
• Inhibits deposits forming when heated 
• Keeps fuel fresher for longer
• Reduces boiler service problems 
• Prevents rust inside your boiler 
• Produces less harmful CO2 gases

So it’s a win, win – saving money, helping the environment, and better for your boiler too!

Domestic tanks can be supplied in a range of shapes and sizes, in plastic and metal, and normally range from holding around 1,000 to 2,500 litres.  There are basically 3 types of oil tank available, single-skin, double-skin or integrally bunded. The size of tank required will be determined by its location, space available, and the amount of fuel you use.  

 An OFTEC registered engineer will be able to advise you on the most appropriate choice of tank for your individual circumstances and also whether you need a bunded tank.

• Single-skinned tanks:

These have one layer of protection against an oil leak and are normally installed in a secondary type of containment system such as reinforced concrete.

• Double-skinned tanks

Also known as twin-walled tanks, these have two protective layers that protect against leaks. These also should have a secondary containment system.

• Integral bunded tanks

These offer the best protection against leaks as the oil is contained in an inner tank and the outer tank acts as protection, holding 110% of the inner tank’s capacity and fittings.  A bunded tank also offers additional benefits such as protection of the inner tank from the weather and the elements.

Building regulations now advise that all new oil tanks installed are bunded, and we would recommend you use an OFTEC registered engineer to install a new or replacement tank.   Please also remember that underground tanks need to be professionally made for the job and can require planning permission.