A Beginner’s Guide To Home Heating Oil

Date Published: 22/04/2025

Moving homes can be as exciting as it is daunting - especially if you’re moving somewhere completely unfamiliar. Increasingly, homeowners and new buyers are looking to swap the hustle and bustle of urban life for natural rural landscapes and close-knit communities. 

However, living off-grid brings unexpected challenges and learning curves, such as reduced access to shops or more exposure to weather conditions. In this beginner’s guide to heating oil, we’ll cover:

• What is domestic heating oil?
• How does heating oil work?
• Should I use heating oil for my off-grid home?
• How do I order domestic heating oil?
• Heat your home for less with Your NRG

What is domestic heating oil?

A major learning curve that many experience is using heating oil to heat their homes, as off-grid houses are not connected to the National Grid. 

Domestic heating oil, also known as burning oil, is a petroleum-based kerosene used in off-the-grid homes to power boilers and central heating systems, as well as ovens and cooking appliances.

How does heating oil work?

Heating oil is an efficient fuel source that burns at a higher temperature than natural gas, making it more suited to powering water supplies and appliances. Furthermore, heating oil also promotes a better BTU (British Thermal Unit) than natural gas, meaning that it will heat your home quicker and cost-effectively. The efficiency of kerosene can be further improved by utilising kerosene additives in your oil supply.

However, heating oil does not operate like traditional gas and electricity, as it is not ‘on tap’ waiting to be used. Instead, heating oil requires more pre-planning. This is because domestic heating oil is ordered and delivered to your home depending on when your tank needs to be refilled. To check your oil tank levels, you can use traditional methods such as a dipstick.

In addition to planning to prevent running out of heating oil, we're now making it easier to manage your oil expenses with flexible payment options. Your NRG is pleased to offer PayPal Pay In 3 on domestic heating oil orders, allowing you to spread your payments over three interest-free monthly instalments. This convenient payment option can help you manage your budget more effectively, allowing you to plan ahead for your next order with ease and peace of mind.

Alternatively, other customers choose to utilise our savings plans, which allow them to pay monthly instalments that can be put towards their next heating oil order. Many people choose to use our savings plans during the summer to prevent having to pay out a lump sum to refill their oil tank once the weather turns. Why not check out our savings plans and embark on your savings journey with Your NRG? 

Is domestic heating oil dangerous?

In its natural liquid state, kerosene is not easily combustible, meaning it is highly unlikely that your new home will go up in flames as soon as you turn your heating on! Kerosene requires a specific air-fuel mixture and an ignition source to burn, making accidental ignition in normal conditions and usage extremely rare.

Additionally, many people are concerned about the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While this is a potential hazard with any fuel-burning appliance, the risk of CO poisoning is extremely low when your boiler and home heating oil tank are properly installed and maintained according to legal regulations. 

It's important to note that carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, making it undetectable by sight or smell. If you smell a strong smell of kerosene when using your domestic heating oil system, this is likely due to a fuel leak, spillage, or incomplete combustion, all of which can produce other potentially harmful gases. To prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, we highly recommend installing carbon monoxide sensors around your home and boiler, as well as undertaking regular maintenance of your heating system and tank. 

For peace of mind, check out our oil tank maintenance guide to ensure your tank stays safe, reliable, and operates at peak efficiency. Alternatively, if you're setting up a new heating oil tank for your home, take a look at our tank installation guide! 

Should I use heating oil for my off-grid home?

Domestic heating oil carries many benefits for off-the-grid homeowners:

• Reliable supply - As a reputable and well-established supplier, we will provide you with a reliable supply of domestic kerosene. Once delivered to your home, your heating oil will be stored in a tank on your property, meaning you’re well prepared for emergencies or disruptions! 
• Long-term savings and affordable warmth -  Domestic heating oil is more cost-effective than gas or electricity in the long run. This is because heating oil has lower rates than utility gas and electricity, whilst still providing a high heat output.
• Bulk purchasing - Domestic heating oil can be bought in large quantities and, thanks to its extended shelf life, can be stored for 18-24 months in your tank. This, therefore, allows you to stock up when the price is right and get more for your money - even if you don’t need to use it immediately!

How do I order heating oil?

Heating oil can be ordered from a local supplier and is delivered by a tanker, with quantities and delivery schedules tailored to your usage and tank size.

Are you looking to snag yourself a hot deal on your domestic heating oil? Get a quote and place your order today to experience a warm home without the hassle.