Liquid fuels distribution trade association the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) is this week supporting Big Energy Saving Week.
It has urged households warmed by heating oil to take positive steps to better manage their energy use and save money in the process.
Organised by Citizens Advice every year, the Big Energy Saving Week campaign raises awareness of the simple ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs.
“A warm house is what everyone wants in the winter – and there are ways to achieve this that don’t hurt people’s bank balance or the planet,” said UKIFDA chief executive Guy Pulham.
“This is why we are supporting Big Energy Saving Week as it is such a great opportunity to get people thinking about their energy consumption and find a way to be more energy efficient.
“The good news for customers using liquid fuels to heat their homes is the value for money this fuel type offers. The latest report from Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of comparative domestic heating prices, on 31st October 2019, highlighted that oil is still one of the cheapest forms of energy for off-grid homes compared to electricity and LPG and compared to 2018 heating oil prices, in the latter part of 2019 in most regions were down by between 2% and 8%. Furthermore, customers are able to shop around to find the most competitive supplier of heating oil, and when it comes to improving the environmental impact the industry is working towards a biofuel to replace heating oil.
“Biofuels would enable customers to switch to a more environmentally friendly fuel with lower carbon emissions and without the need to change the heating system or a large upfront investment – for example, a modern condensing boiler would support a 30% blend of biofuel with kerosene and this boiler uses almost all the fuel for maximum efficiency.”