02/09/2026
Is your heating oil ready for winter?
If you bought extra heating oil during the spring price rises and have used very little over the warm summer, there may still be a considerable amount sitting in your tank.
The good news is that kerosene does not suddenly become unusable after a few months. However, water, sediment and fuel ageing can sometimes reveal themselves when the heating is switched back on.
This may result in blocked filters, boiler lockouts, increased soot, poor performance or an unexpected call-out on the first cold morning.
Before winter arrives, take a few simple precautions.
Check around your tank for visible damage, leaks or loose caps. Arrange your annual boiler service and ask a qualified technician to check the tank for water or contamination.
A correctly dosed heating oil additive can help protect stored fuel, reduce deposit formation and support cleaner combustion. However, an additive cannot remove free water or heavy sludge, so these problems should always be dealt with professionally.
If you are unsure whether your fuel has already been treated, speak to your heating oil supplier before adding anything.
A simple check now could help prevent a cold and expensive surprise later.
