How to Never Run Out of Heating Oil Again
Smart planning, monitoring solutions, and delivery strategies for Hampshire, Wiltshire & Berkshire homeowners.
Running out of heating oil is one of the most avoidable home emergencies. With the right monitoring, scheduling, and planning, you can ensure your tank never runs dry - saving yourself the stress, expense, and cold nights that come with an empty tank.
This guide covers everything Hampshire homeowners need to know about managing their heating oil, from simple habits to smart technology solutions.
1Understand Your Oil Consumption
The first step to never running out is knowing how much you use and when. Most homeowners significantly underestimate their winter consumption.
Typical Hampshire Consumption by Property:
| Property Type | Annual Usage | Winter Monthly | Summer Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bed Cottage | 1,000-1,500 litres | 150-200 litres | 30-50 litres |
| 3-Bed Semi/Detached | 1,500-2,000 litres | 200-300 litres | 50-80 litres |
| 4+ Bed Detached | 2,000-3,000 litres | 300-400 litres | 80-120 litres |
| Large Period Home | 3,000-4,500 litres | 400-600 litres | 100-150 litres |
Pro Tip: Keep a simple log of every delivery - date, quantity, and cost. After one year, you'll have accurate data to predict your needs and budget effectively.
2Oil Tank Monitoring Solutions
The most reliable way to never run out is knowing exactly how much oil you have at all times. Here are your options:
Basic Mechanical Gauge
Most tanks come with a float gauge on top. While free and simple, they're not always accurate.
- ✓No batteries or installation
- ✓Already fitted to most tanks
- ✗Can stick or give false readings
- ✗Requires manual checking
Smart Tank Monitor
Electronic sensors that send readings to your phone or automatically alert suppliers.
- ✓Accurate level readings
- ✓Phone alerts when low
- ✓Usage tracking over time
- ✓Some auto-order with suppliers
Popular Smart Monitor Options:
Watchman Sonic
Ultrasonic sensor with LCD display and optional WiFi module
Kingspan Watchman Sensit
Smart sensor with app connectivity and low-level alerts
Apollo Ultrasonic Smart
WiFi connected with supplier integration for auto-ordering
3Set Up Regular Delivery Schedules
Rather than ordering when you remember (usually when the tank is nearly empty), set up a system that ensures regular deliveries.
Fixed Schedule
Order the same months each year regardless of tank level.
- • September (pre-winter)
- • December (mid-winter)
- • March (end of winter)
Trigger Level
Order when tank reaches a specific level (e.g., 25%).
- • More responsive to usage
- • Requires regular checking
- • Works with smart monitors
Supplier Auto-Fill
Some suppliers monitor your tank and deliver automatically.
- • Completely hands-off
- • May cost slightly more
- • Peace of mind
Important: Whatever system you choose, set a calendar reminder for mid-September. This is when oil demand starts rising and delivery times extend - order before the rush.
4Timing Your Orders Right
When you order affects both price and delivery speed. Here's the seasonal pattern for Hampshire:
Price & Demand by Season:
May - August
Lowest prices, fastest delivery. Best time to fill up.
September
Prices starting to rise. Order now before winter rush.
October - November
Demand increasing. Delivery times extending.
December - February
Peak prices, longest waits. Cold snaps cause supply issues.
March - April
Prices dropping. Good for spring top-up.
Money-Saving Tip: Fill your tank completely in summer when prices are lowest. A full 1,000-litre tank in July could save you £100-150 compared to buying the same amount in January.
5Winter Preparation Checklist
Prepare for winter before October hits. Here's your complete checklist:
Tank & Oil
Planning & Budget
6Join an Oil Buying Group
Collective purchasing power can significantly reduce your oil costs. Here's how oil buying groups work:
Online Buying Groups
- •Boilerjuice: Compares multiple suppliers, bulk discount
- •BoilerJuice Clubs: Community syndicates for bigger discounts
- •Oil Buying Groups UK: Regional syndicate coordination
Local Community Schemes
- •Village buying groups
- •Parish council schemes
- •Neighbours coordinating orders
Typical savings: 5-10% off standard prices, plus delivery efficiency when multiple nearby homes order together.
7Emergency Numbers to Keep Handy
Even with the best planning, emergencies happen. Save these numbers before you need them:
Standard Oil Suppliers
- • Watson Petroleum
- • Ford Fuels
- • Certas Energy
- • WCF Fuels
For regular deliveries (48-72 hour wait)
Emergency Services
For same-day emergency oil top-up:
Rosebourne Plumbing
01264 502027
Same-day emergency oil delivery from £285
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my heating oil consumption?
Track your usage over a full year, noting how much you order and when. Divide your annual usage by 12 for monthly average, then increase this by 50% for winter months. A typical 3-bed Hampshire home uses 1,500-2,000 litres annually.
What's the best time to order heating oil?
Mid-summer (July-August) typically offers the lowest prices, while September sees prices start to rise. Ordering before October avoids the winter rush. Tuesday/Wednesday orders are often cheaper than weekend orders.
How accurate are oil tank gauges?
Mechanical float gauges can stick or read incorrectly after years of use. Smart sensors are more accurate but need battery replacement. Dipping your tank manually with a clean stick provides the most accurate reading.
Should I join an oil buying group?
Yes - oil buying groups like Boilerjuice or community schemes often secure prices 5-10% below individual purchases. The collective buying power means better rates from suppliers, especially for rural areas.
Need a Tank Monitor Installed?
We can install smart tank monitoring systems to ensure you never run out of oil again. Contact us for a quote.