Energy prices are still high, but there’s help available to help you cover the cost of heating your home. Find out how to use off-grid fuel more efficiently and where you can apply for support. .
How can I save money on off-grid fuels?
Many people are worried about the rising cost of household energy, but if your home isn’t connected to mains gas your heating bills are likely to be growing faster than average. There are four million UK households relying on fuel sources like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), heating oil or solid fuel like wood or coal.
Unlike mains gas and electricity, there’s no Energy Price Guarantee to help control the cost of these types of fuel. There aren’t many options to help you save money on energy at the moment, but this guide shows you a few ways you can limit the impact of price rises.
If you receive certain benefits you might be eligible for cost of living payments from the government in 2023/24. Find out more in our blog.
Ways to cut costs if you use heating oil
The cost of heating oil depends on a few factors, including:
the price of crude oil
how much you’re buying
which suppliers cover your area, and
when you buy it.
Although some of these might be out of your control, there are still a few ways you can save money on heating oil.
Checklist for saving on heating oil
Compare prices and don’t be afraid to haggle
When it’s time to refill your tank, ask a few suppliers for a quote, and see if there are savings to be made. You can enter your postcode at UKIFDAOpens in a new window or Liquid Gas UK to find the suppliers that cover your areaOpens in a new window
You can also go to BoilerJuice.comOpens in a new window or fueltool.co.ukOpens in a new window to get a price. Then use the UKIFDA or Liquid Gas UK to see if you can find a local supplier that’s cheaper.
Consider joining or setting up an oil club to get further discounts
Community buying schemesOpens in a new window are where several households group together to bulk buy energy for a discount. If there are other houses in your area who use heating oil, find out if there’s already a community or group buying scheme available for you to join.
Find out by asking your neighbours or posting a question in local Facebook groups or on Nextdoor the neighbourhood networking website and appOpens in a new window Buying your heating oil in larger quantities can mean lower prices for members, however it might be more difficult to start your own club at the moment.
Buy in the warmer months
If you can, try and bulk buy your heating oil during the summer. There’s more demand for it when the weather is colder so prices can go up.
Keep your tank well-maintained
Heating oil tanks can fill with sludge that can make them unreliable. If your tank is leaking, it’s bad for the environment and it’s a waste of money too. Book in a service for your tank to try and fix any issues to avoid the expense of needing a new tank. It’s recommended that you get your heating oil tank serviced once a year and do visual checks for any problems regularly. The Heating Hub has a list of preventative maintenance checks you can make yourselfOpens in a new window
It’s also worth finding out from Oftec if your home insurance covers any costs you might face if your tank breaks or leaksOpens in a new window
Install an efficient boiler
Although there’s a significant upfront cost to getting a new boiler, it should mean long-term savings on repairs and lower energy use.
Boilers that use heating oil are usually more expensive than conventional gas boilers. However, if your boiler isn’t working properly, it might be using more fuel than necessary so it might still be worth switching.
There are government-funded, interest-free loans available to help you pay for a new boiler and other energy-saving measures. Find out if you qualify and discover other ways to fund a new boiler in our guide How to pay for home improvements.
Find more information about how to save money on heating oil at Which?Opens in a new window
Top tip
Check the recommendations in your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), if you have one. You can find your Certificate at EPC RegisterOpens in a new window
Ways to save money if you use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
LPG supply has been affected by the same wholesale price rises as mains natural gas. However, there are ways to cut costs.
Checklist for saving on LPG
Compare prices if you can
If you buy LPG in bulk for a tank, compare prices from different suppliers that are available in your area if you’re out of contract and able to switch.
If you’re tied into your current contract and can’t switch now, set yourself a reminder to shop around just before your contract ends.
Keep your tank well-maintained
If your tank is leaking, it’s not only dangerous, but wasting money. If you’re worried get in touch with a gas engineer who’s qualified to work on LPG tanks. Check if the maintenance of your tank is the responsibility of your supplier, as it might save you money on servicing and repairs.
Other help and support
Although you’re not covered by the Energy Price Guarantee or some of the discounts available to people on mains gas you can find schemes, grants and benefits that will help with both the cost of bills and installing energy saving measures at OfgemOpens in a new window
For more details about other help you can claim, read our guide What to do about rising energy bills.
If you live in Scotland: find out what extra financial support you might get from Home Energy ScotlandOpens in a new window
If you live in Wales: Find out what extra financial support you could get from Discretionary Assistance Fund
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For energy-saving tips and home improvement grants, go to nest.gov.walesOpens in a new window
If you live in Northern Ireland: Find out more about the emergency fuel payment scheme at Bryson Charitable GroupOpens in a new window
For energy-saving tips, check out nidirectOpens in a new window
Claim all the benefits you’re entitled to (especially Pension Credit or Universal Credit) because these will make it easier for you to get further help, including a Warm Home Discount worth £150 a year.
If you're struggling to pay your bills, our Help with the cost of living guide gives you lots more information about extra support available and what to do if you’re worried about keeping up with bills and payments.