The signs of winter are definitely beginning to show. They days are becoming shorter and nights cooler. You'll be beginning to think about what your heating needs are going to be over the colder period. Preparing for you heating oil needs in advance will help to reduce stress and expense when winter really hits. There are a few heating oil related tasks that you should consider to prepare for the cold weather.
You should begin by checking your tank, boiler and pipes for any signs of leakage. Although you should do this several times a year, it's especially important before winter as this is the time of year when your boiler will get the most use. If you spot a leak, be sure to contact your heating oil provider as soon as you can. If leaks are becoming a frequent problem, consider switching to a plastic tank as they are less susceptible to them. You should also look for any black soot in areas around your boiler. Black soot can be a sign of your boiler backfiring, and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Heating engineers are much busier over the winter months, so it's always a good idea to check for any problems and have them dealt with before winter hits.
Heating can become very expensive. It's a good idea to check your house for any places that heat can escape. Consider insulating your attic. Attic insulation is relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of money on the cost of your heating oil. You should also try to stock up on your heating oil when the weather is warmer as it can be considerably cheaper. If you need more oil during the winter, shop around for the best heating oil prices to make sure you're not paying a premium.