HOME HEATING OIL
What is Kerosene / Domestic Heating Oil?
Kerosene is a versatile fuel suitable for many industries and is one of the most popular methods for off-grid homeowners in the UK to heat their homes.
Kerosene is often known by several names. You may have heard it called heating oil, burning oil, boiler fuel, 28 second, paraffin, kero, However, they all refer to the same oil.
Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon fluid derived from petroleum. It is fast-burning and easily ignitable, powering heating systems. It is the most common fuel used to heat off-grid homes in the UK.
What makes Premium Kerosene different to standard Kerosene?
Premium kerosene has an additive added at source to make it suitable for Agas and boilers it helps to prevent the build-up of deposits, soot, and sludge inside your boiler or heating system. This keeps the system cleaner, promotes better performance, and reduces the risk of breakdowns.
Premium Kerosene: Reduced maintenance: The additives help to reduce the build-up of deposits, soot, and sludge inside your boiler or heating system. This keeps the system cleaner, promotes better performance, and decreases the chance of breakdowns.
Increased efficiency: A cleaner boiler runs more efficiently, which can save you money on fuel over time.
Longer-lasting fuel: The additives also work to improve fuel stability and prolong its shelf-life, so it stays fresher in your tank for longer.
Cleaner burning: The fuel burns cleaner and produces less soot compared to standard kerosene.
System compatibility: It can be used as a simple upgrade in your existing system without requiring modifications.
What are the benefits of using Kerosene?
Non-corrosive. It is much less dangerous than other fuels. Can be stored for years—if stored safely.it is actually cheaper than gas. Clean burning with a low risk of carbon monoxide emissions. It is one of the more environmentally friendly home energy options.
What is Kerosene predominantly used for?
Kerosene’s uses vary considerably. From heating oil to industrial processes requiring low sulphur fuel, such as jet fuel, heating oil, or cooking fuel, it is a safe and efficient choice for achieving excellent results. Its clean burning properties maintain a high heat output at lower costs. It is a major component of the fuel used to power aircraft.
Can Kerosene ever freeze?
Kerosene doesn’t gel in the cold like diesel does. Its flashpoint ranges between 37°C and 65°C, and its freeze point depends on its grade—commercial aircraft fuel is standardised at -47°C.
Is Kerosene safe?
Yes, kerosene is very safe! Due to its clean-burning nature, it has low carbon monoxide emissions and no fuel vapour. It will never explode or cause a fire. Moreover, if installed correctly, it won’t produce any problems.
How to store Kerosene properly?
To prevent your kerosene from becoming contaminated, it must be kept away from direct sunlight and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in plastic or steel tanks.
ORDERING & REGISTRATION
How do I place my first order?
Placing your first order is simple. Simply enter your email address, postcode & basic order details to get an instant quote. Add any delivery notes, and confirm payment securely online via the Natwest Payment portal. We’ll handle the rest and keep you updated from order to delivery.
When should I order heating oil?
We recommend ordering during summer months when oil is cheapest! or when your tank reaches about 25–35% full. This ensures you won’t run low during colder months and allows us to group deliveries efficiently to help keep prices down.
Can I cancel or change an order?
Yes, you can make changes or cancel before your delivery has been scheduled. Once your order is confirmed, please contact us as soon as possible if you need to adjust it — we’ll always do our best to accommodate.
What type of oil should I order?
Most homes use Kerosene (also known as 28-second oil). If you have an older system, it might use Gas Oil (35-second). If you’re unsure, check your boiler manual or ask your engineer — and we’ll make sure the right product is delivered.
How am I helping my local community when I order?
Every time you order through The Caring Fuel Collective, you’re directly supporting your local community.
A portion of our profits goes back into local clubs, schools, and charities chosen by customers like you.
That means your heating oil isn’t just keeping your home warm — it’s helping a child’s football team buy new kits, supporting your village school, or contributing to a charity that’s close to someone’s heart.
Together, we’re building warmer homes and stronger communities.
Can I order for more than one property?
Yes, you can manage multiple addresses just create a new order for each dwelling — ideal if you’re ordering for a second home, family member, or local organisation. Each address can have its own delivery instructions and order history.
How do community or group orders work?
When several people in your area order around the same time, we group deliveries to save on transport costs. This bulk approach reduces prices for everyone involved while also cutting emissions from multiple tankers.
What happens if I do not receive the full quantity of oil that I ordered?
Don’t worry, if for any reason you do not get your full volume of order (You will be given a Proof of Delivery receipt with confirmed actual volume that has been transferred to your tank) we will return to top up.
DELIVERY
Do I need to be home for delivery?
Not usually. As long as the driver can access your tank safely, you don’t need to be present. Just leave clear access instructions such as gate codes or key locations when you order. We strongly recommend adding your mobile number when ordering which we can use to send a delivery SMS and to contact you on the day if there are any issues.
What is the minimum delivery size?
The smallest legal delivery is 500 litres, as required by UK trading standards. This ensures accurate metering and efficient delivery routing.
Can you deliver through a house or garage?
For safety and insurance reasons, suppliers can’t deliver through enclosed buildings. Please make sure there’s a clear path to your tank — if access is tight, we can advise the best option.
What if access is tight — do you use small tankers?
Yes, smaller tankers are available for rural or hard-to-reach properties. Just let us know about access restrictions when ordering, and we’ll coordinate the right vehicle. However for baby tankers there is a surcharge of £150, and we will telephone you to confirm all details before.
How will I know when my oil will be delivered?
You’ll receive an email confirmation with your expected delivery date once your order is booked. Many suppliers also call or text the day before delivery to confirm, so please leave us your mobile phone number.
What happens if less oil is delivered?
Sometimes the driver can’t fit the full amount ordered — often because your tank fills sooner than expected. You’ll only be charged for the litres actually delivered, and any difference will be refunded automatically.
What if I ordered too much oil?
If your tank reaches capacity before the full order is delivered, we will refund the unused balance directly to your payment card. You’ll receive confirmation once it’s processed.
Can I get an emergency delivery?
If you’re running low, contact us right away. We’ll liaise with our local suppliers to see if a priority or next-day delivery is possible. In extreme cases, we can also advise temporary solutions like smaller top-ups.
PAYMENTS & REFUNDS
How do I pay for my order?
Payments are made securely online by debit or credit card or paypal when you place your order. You’ll receive instant confirmation and an electronic receipt. Via paypal you can also choose the option of paying over 3 months for convenience – sometimes very handy in winter months!
Is my payment secure?
Yes. We use the Natwest secure payment system ‘TYL’. All payments use encrypted, industry-standard systems that only a trusted high street bank like Natwest can offer. We don’t store your card details, and transactions are processed through the Natwest secure gateway for peace of mind.
What VAT rate do I pay?
Domestic heating oil is charged at 5% VAT. If your order exceeds 2,300 litres, suppliers may initially apply 20%, but we’ll help ensure the correct domestic rate is used once you confirm your usage.
Will I get a VAT invoice?
Yes, your VAT invoice will be emailed directly by your supplier, typically within 14 days of delivery. Keep it for your records or energy accounting.
Can I pay the driver directly?
No — to keep things secure and simple, all payments are handled online before delivery. This avoids delays and helps maintain our low-cost structure.
Do you offer monthly payments?
Not at the moment. Keeping payments one-off helps reduce admin costs and allows us to offer lower prices. We are, however, exploring flexible options for the future. We do offer to spread your payment over 3 months if you pay via PayPal.
How do refunds work?
If a delivery is short or cancelled, your supplier will issue a refund directly to your payment card, usually within a few business days. You’ll receive confirmation once it’s processed.
PRICINGS & SAVINGS
Why does heating oil pricing change?
Heating oil prices vary daily based on global oil markets, refinery costs, and demand. Weather conditions and transport costs also play a role. We monitor prices closely to secure fair rates for our customers.
How do you make sure I get the best price?
We negotiate directly with a network of trusted suppliers daily to find the most competitive rates available! Grouping orders together allows us to access bulk discounts that are passed on to you.
Can I save more through group orders?
Yes — the more members ordering in your area, the better the bulk savings. Group orders reduce delivery costs for suppliers, and we make sure those savings go straight back to you. So spread the word!
ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY
How does ordering through you help the environment?
By grouping local deliveries, we reduce the number of tanker trips on rural roads, cutting carbon emissions and wear on village lanes. We also encourage efficient fuel use and tank maintenance to minimise waste.
How often should my tank be serviced?
Your tank should be inspected by a qualified engineer at least once a year — ideally before winter. Regular checks prevent leaks, ensure efficiency, and extend your system’s life. We can offer you reduced rates for servicing, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
What should I do if there’s an oil spill?
If oil leaks, act quickly: contain it with absorbent materials (like sand or soil), and don’t wash it away. Contact an OFTEC technician and call the National Incident Pollution hotline (0800 80 70 60) for guidance.
Who is OFTEC?
OFTEC stands for the Oil Firing Technical Association. They’re the official body that sets safety and quality standards for oil heating systems in the UK and Ireland.
They register qualified engineers and technicians who install, service, and inspect oil-fired boilers and tanks.
What happens if my tank is unsafe?
If a delivery driver deems your tank unsafe, they won’t deliver for safety reasons. Common issues include cracks, rust, or unstable bases. Arrange a professional inspection and repair or replacement before reordering.
