Heatingoil.co.uk Review

After careful evaluation of heatingoil.co.uk, We give it a Trust Score of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Heatingoil.co.uk presents itself as a straightforward platform for securing domestic heating oil in the UK. The website clearly states its primary function: to connect users with competitive heating oil prices and facilitate deliveries across England and Wales. While the site appears to offer a convenient service, a deeper dive into its operational transparency and the current state of its ordering process reveals some areas that warrant closer scrutiny for those seeking reliable energy solutions. The core promise of competitive pricing and reliable delivery is certainly appealing, especially for the approximately 4 million households in the UK that are off the gas grid and rely on heating oil. However, the unexpected change in their ordering process, where instant quotes and delivery dates are no longer provided upfront, introduces a significant level of uncertainty for potential customers. This shift means users must commit to an “order request” without knowing the exact price or delivery timeframe, a departure from the typical consumer expectation of clear pricing before purchase. This opacity, while potentially a response to market volatility, impacts the overall user experience and ability to make informed decisions.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Name: Heatingoil.co.uk
• Primary Service: Facilitates the purchase and delivery of domestic heating oil (kerosene and premium kerosene) in England and Wales.
• Parent Company: Certas Energy UK Ltd., which is part of DCC Energy, a division of DCC Plc.
• Domain Registration Date: 23rd October 1998 (suggests long-standing operation).
• Trustpilot Rating: Featured prominently on the homepage with positive customer testimonials, linking directly to their Trustpilot profile.
• Key Selling Points Advertised: Competitive Prices, Quick And Easy Ordering (though currently modified), Reliable Deliveries, No Service Charge.
• Current Ordering Process: Customers submit an “order request” without an immediate quote or delivery date. Price and delivery date are confirmed via email/SMS after the order is processed internally.
• Transparency: Provides links to About Us, Contact, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms & Conditions. Ownership by Certas Energy UK Ltd. (part of DCC Energy, DCC Plc) is clearly stated.
• Security: Uses Cloudflare for name servers and has numerous SSL certificates, indicating a commitment to online security. MX records point to Outlook, suggesting professional email management.
• Areas for Improvement: The lack of immediate pricing and delivery dates upfront for new orders is a notable drawback, impacting the “Quick And Easy Ordering” claim. This could deter users who require instant information for budgeting and planning.

The website emphasizes its commitment to customer safety and outlines a simple four-step ordering process, although the initial steps are now subject to the revised “order request” system. They highlight the benefits of local depots and drivers for efficient delivery and offer both standard kerosene and premium kerosene. The FAQ section addresses common queries regarding heating oil prices, crude oil impact, and tips for securing cheaper oil, such as bulk buying and ordering in summer. While the site attempts to be informative, the current operational change regarding quotes is a significant point of consideration for any potential user. The site’s long registration history since 1998, coupled with its clear association with a larger energy group (DCC Energy, DCC Plc), lends it a degree of credibility often associated with established businesses. However, the recent shift in their pricing and delivery confirmation process, as openly declared on their homepage, does introduce a layer of inconvenience and uncertainty that prospective customers should be aware of. It’s a trade-off between perceived stability and immediate information. While their stated reasons for this change might be valid in the volatile energy market, it undoubtedly affects the user experience.

When considering heating oil for your home, it’s crucial to explore all avenues to ensure you’re making the most informed decision, especially when immediate pricing isn’t available upfront. Beyond heating oil, considering sustainable and ethical home heating solutions is always a wise move. aspirecomps.co.uk Pros & Cons

Here are some alternatives for home heating and energy management that align with ethical considerations:

Best Alternatives for Home Heating and Energy Management:

• Air Source Heat Pumps
  • Key Features: Extracts heat from the outside air to warm your home and hot water. Can work efficiently even in cold temperatures. Reduces carbon emissions.
  • Average Price: £7,000 – £14,000 (installed, varies greatly with system size and home type).
  • Pros: Highly energy-efficient, lower running costs than traditional boilers, eligible for government grants (e.g., Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the UK), environmentally friendly.
  • Cons: High upfront installation cost, requires adequate insulation, can be less effective in extremely cold climates without backup.
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
  • Key Features: Uses buried pipes to extract heat from the ground. Provides stable heating year-round due to consistent ground temperatures.
  • Average Price: £18,000 – £30,000+ (installed, significant variation).
  • Pros: Extremely efficient and reliable, very low running costs, long lifespan (pipes can last over 50 years), eligible for grants.
  • Cons: Very high upfront cost, disruptive installation (requires significant excavation), not suitable for all properties.
• Biomass Boilers
  • Key Features: Burns organic matter like wood pellets, chips, or logs to heat water for central heating and domestic hot water.
  • Average Price: £8,000 – £20,000 (installed, depends on type and size).
  • Pros: Uses a renewable and sustainable fuel source, carbon-neutral (if managed sustainably), can provide significant heating output, eligible for grants.
  • Cons: Requires space for fuel storage and boiler, needs regular refuelling (manual systems), can generate ash, fuel quality and sourcing are important.
• Infrared Heating Panels
  • Key Features: Heats objects and people directly rather than the air. Often thin, wall-mounted panels that resemble art.
  • Average Price: £100 – £600 per panel (installation cost varies).
  • Pros: Energy-efficient (less heat loss to air), provides a comfortable radiant heat, space-saving, aesthetically pleasing, can be zoned for specific areas.
  • Cons: Not always suitable as a sole heating source for entire homes, higher running costs than central heating for whole-house applications, initial setup cost for multiple panels.
• Smart Thermostats
  • Key Features: Allows remote control of heating, learns preferences, provides energy usage reports, integrates with home automation systems.
  • Average Price: £150 – £250 (plus installation if complex).
  • Pros: Significant energy savings through optimised heating schedules, enhanced comfort and control, provides data for better energy management.
  • Cons: Requires some technical setup, effectiveness depends on user engagement and existing heating system.
• High-Efficiency Electric Radiators
  • Key Features: Modern electric radiators designed for better heat retention and distribution, often with built-in timers and thermostats.
  • Average Price: £150 – £500 per radiator.
  • Pros: Easy to install (plug-and-play), no plumbing required, quiet operation, good for zoned heating, some models are very efficient.
  • Cons: Electricity can be more expensive than gas or heating oil per unit, may not be cost-effective for whole-house heating compared to central systems.
• Solar Water Heating Systems
  • Key Features: Uses solar thermal panels to convert sunlight into heat for hot water. Can significantly reduce energy bills for hot water.
  • Average Price: £3,000 – £6,000 (installed).
  • Pros: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for hot water, environmentally friendly, lower running costs, long lifespan.
  • Cons: High initial cost, effectiveness depends on sunlight availability, usually requires a backup heating system, roof space needed for panels.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on our research and information provided by the company. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org. proposh.co.uk Trustpilot Reviews Overview