yes yes I know we’ve given 11 but I couldn’t pick one to leave out……… and I’m sure you our customers won’t complain after the budget!

1. Avoid leaving your order to potentially busy periods such as pre Budget or when cold weather is forecast- demand at these times may increase prices
2. Regularly dip your tank or install an oil monitor so that you do not allow the tank to run out- you may end up having to pay a plumber to bleed your burner to get it going again
3. Best prices can be obtained for prompt payment or payment on delivery
4. Make sure that you receive the quantity of oil which you order- all reputable suppliers will have this printed on your delivery docket by a calibrated meter on the truck
5. Oil is a low margin product so there should be very little difference in the cost across the market- always useful to ring around to check but be careful that you don’t spend more on phone calls than you save on the oil
6. If you can club together with neighbours or residents association discounts may be possible if all orders & payments are placed together
7. Recommendable to use recognised and branded suppliers as if there is a problem with your oil or your burner you should have recourse- this may not always be the case with unbranded distributors.
8. Ensure that you are supplied with premium grade fuel only- saves on burner servicing costs in the long run
9. Investigate fully the terms of any instalment or deferred payment schemes- if the monthly direct debit or standing order system requires you to pay a set fee all year round then you will be in credit prior to each winter, and then be in a position of having to purchase your fuel from this supplier even though they may not be the most competitive price
10. Build a relationship with your supplier to ensure quality pricing & service as a reward for loyalty, and prompt payment. A case in point is where many suppliers refused to take orders prior to the Dec 2009 budget as they held stocks in the hope of selling this on at a higher price following any budget increase- this was a despicable action which customers should not accept!
11. In conjunction with your plumber use “heating zones” within your house which may save on oil usage. For example bedrooms can be placed on 1 zone which only heats in the early evening & early morning, if you have any spare/unused rooms place them all in a separate “zone” which will only heat when you want to put it on