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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Order online or call
01480 775454
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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Written by
Jenna Culy
on 17 Sep 2020
and updated on
15 Oct 2026
Categorised in
Tips and Advice
Winter 2026 is approaching, so now is the time to check your heating oil level, get your heating system ready and make sure you're prepared before temperatures drop.
The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), the trade association for the liquid fuel distribution industry, has launched its 2026-27 'Don't Run Low This Winter' campaign, encouraging heating oil households to check their tanks regularly, order in good time and maintain at least 500 litres of heating oil wherever possible.
If your tank is already below 500 litres, now is a good time to think about topping up rather than waiting until you're close to empty.
Check your heating oil tank now and top up if you're running below 500 litres. During colder weather, you'll usually use more heating oil as your heating runs for longer, so your tank level can fall faster than you expect.
UKIFDA's winter 2026-27 advice recommends maintaining at least 500 litres wherever possible. This provides a useful buffer during periods of high demand, severe weather or unexpected delivery delays.
Ordering before you urgently need it also gives you more flexibility over your delivery options rather than waiting until your tank is nearly empty.
Winter is when you're likely to notice your heating oil level dropping more quickly. Keeping track of your usage can help you understand how quickly you're getting through your oil and give you more time to arrange your next delivery.
A smart heating oil monitor makes it easier to keep track of your tank level and usage without relying on manual checks. With BoilerJuice Connected, your tank readings can also be used to help manage your heating oil supply and arrange automatic deliveries.
This means you can keep a closer eye on how much oil you're using throughout winter and reduce the risk of unexpectedly running low.
Don't wait for the freezing morning to discover there's a problem with your heating. Switch your system on ahead of winter and check that your boiler and radiators are heating as expected.
If you notice unusual noises, smells, leaks or your home isn't heating properly, arrange for the system to be checked by a suitably qualified heating engineer.
Your boiler is likely to work harder throughout the colder months, so it's worth making sure it's in good condition before winter really sets in.
If your annual boiler service is due, arranging it before winter gives an engineer the opportunity to identify potential problems and check that your system is operating as it should.
Small changes around your home can help you get more from your heating. Check for draughts around windows and doors, avoid blocking radiators with furniture and use your thermostat and heating schedule to avoid heating your home unnecessarily.
It's also worth bleeding radiators that have cold spots, as trapped air can prevent them from heating properly.
Before your next delivery, check that your heating oil tank and fill point are easy to access.
Cut back overgrown plants, clear away fallen leaves, and make sure gates, paths, and tank locks aren't going to cause problems for your delivery. It's also a good opportunity to visually check your tank for any obvious signs of cracks, leaks or damage.
Keeping the area clear becomes particularly important during winter, when poor weather can make access more difficult.
One of the simplest things you can do this winter is order before your tank reaches a critically low level.
UKIFDA's latest 2026-27 winter campaign encourages households to allow plenty of time for delivery, particularly during cold weather when demand can increase.
Keeping an eye on your tank means you can plan your order rather than having to react when you're close to running out.
Tank starting to get low? BoilerJuice offers a range of delivery options, so ordering ahead gives you more flexibility when choosing the option that works for you.
Enter your tank details and we will estimate the date you will run out.
Most tanks have a gauge, or you can use a dipstick to check the level manually. A smart monitor like BoilerJuice Connected takes regular readings for you, so you don't need to go out to the tank.
Order a delivery as soon as possible. Once the oil arrives, your boiler may not restart on its own, as air can get into the fuel line when a tank runs dry. If it won't fire up, contact a suitably qualified heating engineer.
Yes. If you’re running low, you can order a smaller amount of heating oil to help see you through. Our minimum order is typically 500 litres, so you’ll need enough space in your tank to accept the delivery.
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