When’s the best time to buy winter heating oil?
As we approach the autumn season, we would like to remind our customers that now is the time to start thinking about their heating oil requirements for the winter. Starting to plan ahead of the colder weather beginning will reduce your chances of running dry, particularly if there is a sudden onset of bad weather.
Don’t leave ordering to the last minute:
Our advice is to take a fill of your tank as early as you can, so long as you can afford to do so.
On average, between October and March a household will use 2/3rds of its yearly heating oil consumption. Planning ahead and being prepared for the colder weather in the winter months is crucial when your household is reliant on heating oil.
We recommend you start to think about your winter heating oil requirements during the autumn. It is important to monitor your oil levels and order before they get too low. This means you’ll be prepared should the colder weather start earlier than anticipated, plus you would beat the rush for deliveries leading up to the Christmas and New Year period.
It is likely that our delivery times will increase during the winter period, therefore placing your order in plenty of time will ensure we have enough time to make a delivery to you. Especially if there is a sudden change in weather which could disrupt deliveries, such as icy weather causing blocked roads and access issues. Ordering early means you will avoid potential delivery problems in bad weather.
Will your winter heating oil consumption change over winter?
Our delivery schedule is at its busiest during the winter, particularly around the Christmas and New Year period. Therefore leaving your winter heating oil order to the last minute could be risky. It is important to be mindful of your oil consumption over the festive period, additional household members and guests, or a sudden change in weather could mean you are using more oil than anticipated. Monitoring oil levels and planning ahead in regard to any upcoming changes which could impact your oil usage is the best way to know when to order your winter heating oil.
Ordering winter heating oil early could be cost effective:
Placing your order for winter heating oil in the autumn could mean that you save money on your bill.
The price of heating oil is determined by many factors, such as:
- An increase or decrease in demand
- VAT rate fluctuations
- Global issues including political and economic changes
- Delivery costs
- Crude oil prices. Including changes in the exchange rate, as crude oil is dealt in American dollars
Due to an increase in demand in the winter season, it is likely that this will push-up the price of crude oil, unfortunately meaning heating oil prices will increase as a result. Although this is not guaranteed, and we do advise customers to monitor the market for price changes, you could benefit from a cheaper price should you place your heating oil order before the start of the winter order rush.
How to order winter heating oil?
Ordering winter heating oil from Gleaner Oils couldn’t be easier. We offer many different options, ensuring there is a method to suit most people’s needs.
If you are an existing customer you can place an order online through our website 24/7. Simply complete our ‘Get-A-Quote’ web form at any time or talk directly to one of our helpful staff through our live chat box during working hours. Orders can also be placed by contacting your nearest depot directly by telephone or email.
New customers can order by contacting their nearest depot or by requesting a quotation online. We would need to contact you by phone to set up your account and take payment before we could confirm your order.
Home is where the heat is.... #WinterReadyandWarm
Under our #WinterReadyandWarm campaign, we will be sharing some of our top-tips and advice for winter heating oil with our customers over the next few months.
Our Guide to Winter Heating Oil contains all the essential information you need to know as a heating oil customer preparing for the colder weather ahead.
For more information, and to view & download our Guide to Winter Heating Oil, visit our Winter Heating Oil page.
