What Type of Oil is Used for Central Heating?

Ever wondered how homes stay toasty warm when it’s freezing outside? Central heating plays a big role in keeping houses cozy during cold weather. While some homes use gas or electricity, many rely on a special kind of oil to power their heating systems. In this blog, we’ll explore what type of oil is used for central heating, why it’s so important, and how it works. By the end, you’ll know exactly which oil is the best choice for keeping your home warm, and how Compass Fuel can help with all your heating needs.

What is Central Heating?

Before we get into the oil part, let’s first explain what central heating is. Central heating systems warm up your entire house, not just one room. They do this by heating water or air and sending it through pipes or vents to distribute the warmth. This is why when it’s super chilly outside, you can feel heat coming from radiators or vents in different rooms.

What Type of Oil is Used?

So, what type of oil do central heating systems use? The most common one is Kerosene Heating Oil. It’s a liquid fuel that burns efficiently and is perfect for heating homes, especially in areas where there’s no access to gas. Some older systems may use gas oil, but for most homes today, kerosene is the go-to option.

Kerosene is made from refined petroleum and is known for being safe and effective in home heating systems. It’s stored in a tank outside your home and is pumped into your boiler when needed, so you always have a steady supply ready to heat your home.

Why Choose Oil for Heating?

You might be wondering why some homes use oil instead of gas or electricity. Here are some reasons why heating oil, like kerosene, is a popular choice:

  1. High Efficiency: Heating oil burns really well, which means you get a lot of heat for the amount of oil you use. It’s great for homes in colder climates because it can warm up rooms quickly.
  2. Ideal for Rural Areas: In many rural areas, homes aren’t connected to the gas grid. Heating oil becomes the best option to keep homes warm in those places.
  3. Stored for Convenience: Families who use oil for heating store it in tanks outside their homes, so they always have a supply ready, especially during the colder months.
  4. Reliable During Winter: Heating oil works well even in extremely cold weather, making it perfect for those chilly winter days.

How Does Heating Oil Work?

Now, let’s break down how heating oil works to warm up your home:

  1. Stored in a Tank: Homes that use heating oil have a big tank outside where the oil is stored.
  2. Pumped to the Boiler: When the heating system is switched on, the oil is pumped into the boiler.
  3. Burning the Oil: Inside the boiler, the oil burns, producing heat that warms water or air inside the system.
  4. Heating the House: The warm water or air is sent through pipes or ducts, heating the radiators or vents in every room of your house.
  5. Enjoy the Warmth: Now your home is warm and cozy, no matter how cold it is outside!

Keeping Heating Oil Safe

While heating oil is safe to use, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep everything running smoothly:

  • Regular Maintenance: It’s important to have your heating system checked regularly by a professional to ensure it’s working properly.
  • Check the Oil Tank: Make sure your oil tank isn’t leaking and has enough oil to last through the winter.
  • Order Early: It’s a good idea to order your heating oil before the cold weather hits to make sure you don’t run out when you need it most!

Fun Facts About Heating Oil

Let’s take a quick break with some cool facts about heating oil!

  • Heating oil can last for years if stored properly.
  • Kerosene is less flammable than gasoline, making it a safer option for home heating.
  • Heating oil systems are known for their reliability in super cold weather, meaning you’ll stay warm even when temperatures drop.

Eco-Friendly Heating Options

While heating oil remains a popular choice, more eco-friendly options are also emerging. One of these is GreenFlame, a cleaner alternative to traditional heating oil. Compass Fuel offers GreenFlame, which is designed to lower carbon emissions while still providing great heat performance. This is perfect for people who want to stay warm while making a greener choice!

Conclusion: Stay Warm with Compass Fuel!

Heating oil, especially Kerosene Heating Oil, is one of the most reliable and efficient ways to keep your home warm. Whether you live in a rural area or just want to ensure your home is cozy all winter long, heating oil is a fantastic option. With Compass Fuel, you can enjoy fast, reliable delivery of high-quality heating oil, making sure you never run out when you need it most.

Ready to keep your home warm this winter? Compass Fuel offers a wide range of heating oil products, including Kerosene Heating Oil, GreenFlame, and more. Contact us today to find the perfect heating oil solution for your home!

Is Red Diesel Better than Green Diesel?

Is Red Diesel Better than Green Diesel?

May 22, 2025

If you’ve ever heard about red diesel or green diesel, you might be wondering what the difference is and which one is better. Maybe you’ve seen big trucks or farm equipment running on red diesel or heard about eco-friendly green diesel. But what do these…

        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.