Common questions about home heating oil

If you are new to using heating oil to heat your property, you probably have a lot of questions. But here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading fuel oil specialists, including heating oil. And as such, we have produced this guide to the heating oil questions we are most frequently asked.

What are the most common questions about home heating oil?

Heating oil is used as a way to heat your boiler as an effective alternative to gas or electric. And with an estimated 1.5 million British households running on heating oil, it is becoming increasingly popular. But if you’ve recently moved into a property that uses heating oil, the switch over can feel overwhelming. That’s why we have a compiled answers to the heating oil questions we are most frequently asked.

1.How much heating oil will I need?

The amount of heating oil you will need will depend on a number of factors including the size of your property, the weather, the amount of heating you will require, and the number of people in your property. Having said that, the average household uses 1,400 litres of heating oil per year. And most domestic tanks have a capacity of 1,000 to 2,500 litres. To find out what size tank you have, you can check the label. If the size is not clear or visible, you may have to have this measured by a professional team.

2.What type of heating oil will I need?

Heating oil is referred to by a range of other names including kerosene, home Heating Oil, and burning oil. For domestic properties you will need one of these heating oils, while most commercial properties will use red diesel or similar. Kerosene and paraffin are the two most common heating oil options, and kerosene is usually the better option. This is a longer lasting heating oil that is more cost effective in the long run.

3.Why should I switch to heating oil?

While making the switch to heating oil can be daunting, it is worth it. Heating oil is safe, clean, and efficient, and new A-rated oil-fuelled boilers can produce up to 97% efficiency, making oil a more economical fuel than others. Installing gas may also not be practical for your property, and can be an incredibly expensive process.

4.When should I buy heating oil?

Heating oil is generally cheaper and more readily available in the summer months. But here at Compass Fuel Oils we have a steady supply all year round so that you wont be left in the cold. Having said that, it is often a more practical option to fill up in the summer months, ahead of cold winter weather.

Why should you choose Compass Fuel Oils for your heating oil?

Here at Compass Fuel Oils we supply and deliver both C1 paraffin and kerosene to all locations across the UK in just 1-3 days. For C1 paraffin, we can deliver both 200 litre barrels and 1000 litre IBCs nationwide. For kerosene heating oil, we can offer you anything from a single 205 litre barrel up to 36,500 litres on an articulated tanker!

For high quality fuel oils like paraffin and kerosene, get in touch with the team here at Compass Fuel Oils today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.