Home Heating FAQ

Ordering online is quick and easy. You manage your options and pay online, then our local drivers deliver your oil to your home. We deliver within 48 hours, six days a week in most cases. Each delivery is guaranteed to be in line with Top Oil’s excellent quality and security standards.

Yes, our website and order online module are very reliable. We’ve been taking online orders for 5 years now, with close to 90% of orders delivered on the same day or the day after the order is received. The remaining 10% of orders are delivered within a 48 hour period or delivered on the date requested by the customer.

Yes, our order module is fully secure and displays the https lock symbol throughout every step. Our site uses the SSL protocol, which ensures all online transactions remain confidential.

An order confirmation will be sent to you by email. We will send this to the email address you input during the order process. If you did not receive this email, please check any spam or hidden folders in your inbox. If you don’t find the email there, please contact your local depot and they will be happy to confirm receipt of your order and confirm the details.

The two main types of home heating oil are kerosene and gas oil.

Kerosene (colloquially known as kero) is the cheapest and the most popular form of home heating oil in Ireland. On www.top.ie, more than 95% of our customers order kerosene.

Kerosene is a low-sulphur, clean burning oil which is used in the majority of modern oil-fired boiler units. It is used to fuel Aga stoves (and similar models). It is also known as paraffin. Interestingly, kerosene is the fuel used to power jet aeroplanes too!

Kerosene produces a high level of heat in an economical manner because it burns cleanly. Kerosene is the only fuel oil suitable for use with an indoor oil-fired boiler and condensing oil-fired boiler.

Marked gas oil, also referred as “gas oil” or “green diesel”, is a cost efficient, clean and safe home heating alternative. It should only be used for heating systems with an outdoor burner. It is illegal to use Gas Oil to fuel an off road vehicle. Gas Oil is also used to fuel ships.

Gas oil and diesel are virtually the same. The fact that they are so similar is the very reason why a dye is added to gas oil in order to distinguish it from diesel (sometimes you will see diesel pumps with the label ‘Marked Gas Oil’).

If you have ordered from us in the past and have not changed your boiler, we will know what type of heating oil you use. If this is your first time ordering with Top Oil you can have a look at your tank – there should be a sticker displayed to state which type of oil you should order. If you are still unsure, just make a note for the driver during the order process and he will check before the delivery is made.

The majority of oil-fired burners are set to run on kerosene by default. In general, gas oil can be used to fuel oil-fired home heating systems. It is important to note that gas oil cannot be used as fuel for condensing boilers, and they should only be used in an outdoor boiler that is fitted with a conventional vertical flue. Burning gas oil is not permitted where a low level flue is fitted.

We strive to provide an easy payment solution for customers who may need to spread their cost throughout the year. Through our budget plan facility you can make a monthly payment, building your account into credit. When the time comes for a delivery you can then use these savings to cover the cost of your order.

The more you order the better the value – an order of 1,000 litres will guarantee the best price available. We would be delighted to discuss group delivery rates. You can contact your local depot for further details.

Oil prices change on a daily basis and cannot be predicted as they are based on a number of factors. The more you order the better the value – an order of 1,000 litres will guarantee the best price available.

Top Oil have developed a budget plan that will allow you to spread the cost of your heating over the entire year.

More about budget plan

If you are unsure how larger quantities/grouped order prices are calculated, you can contact your local depot. The most important thing to bear in mind is that you will get the best value from ordering the largest quantity you can.

Oil prices vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to: the price of crude oil (which changes on a daily basis), the euro/dollar exchange rate and the quantity ordered. Our home heating oil prices are determined by these changes and the cost of delivery. Always remember that the more you buy in a single order, the more competitive the price will be!

• Free to join with no admin or interest charges
• Build up credit in your account with affordable monthly payments
• No changes to monthly payment unless agreed directly with the account holder
• Easy and convenient way to manage your home heating bills throughout the year
• Ensure you are always topped up with great value home heating oil
• Superior customer service with priority deliveries

It’s very easy. Simply return the completed application form (PDF) to your local Top Oil Depot and we will process your application as soon as possible. We will be in touch promptly to confirm if your application has been successful.

Budget plan is the easiest and most convenient way to control the cost of your home heating through the year. Our plan is free to join with no admin or interest charges. 

Home heating oil usage is dependant on a number of factors, including the size of your house and how often your heating is in use. For example, reducing the heating temperature in your home even by only 1 degree could save you 10% on your heating bill! The recommended temperature for an average family home is 20 degrees.

Yes, if the quantity delivered is less than the quantity ordered then you will receive a refund of the difference to your debit or credit card.        

The capacity of the tank is usually indicated by a sticker on the tank. Most domestic oil tanks range between 900 and 1300 litres

All Top Oil trucks are fitted with an electronic, calibrated meter and all our printed delivery tickets will show the meter stamp. This stamp will show you exactly how many litres were delivered.  Also, if you provide Top Oil with your mobile number we will send you a text message after delivery, which will detail the date/time of delivery and the exact amount of litres delivered.

You must select a quantity online when ordering but the driver will only deliver what the tank will safely take. If the quantity is less then you will receive a refund to your debit or credit card.

Your local depot will be happy to help with any billing queries. You can call our customer service representatives by using the number provided on your order confirmation email. Alternatively, you can send us an email by using the contact form.

Your delivery docket is your invoice and will contain all relevant information. If you would like to receive an additional invoice after delivery, please contact your local depot to request an invoice by post or by email.

We have developed a budget payment plan that will allow you to spread the cost of your heating oil over the entire year.

It’s very easy. Simply return the completed application form (PDF) to your local Top Oil Depot and we will process your application as soon as possible. We will be in touch promptly to confirm if your application has been successful.

Our local drivers operate six days a week in most locations. If you order your fuel before 5pm, you can expect delivery on the next business day. For orders made after 5pm, delivery will be the following day. Of course, you can also choose a later date if you wish. To request an emergency delivery, you will need to contact your local depot directly.

If you order your fuel before 5pm, you can expect your delivery on the next business day.

If you wish to choose a particular time slot, please make a note of this on your order and we will do our best to accommodate you. Our local drivers operate from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Their itinerary changes throughout the day, so as standard we can’t provide you with a precise time slot. Remember that you won’t have to be home and that your local driver will be able to contact you by phone if needed. If you have any specific questions on delivery times, you can contact your local depot.

You don’t need to be at home as long as the driver has access to your tank. You’ll be able to leave the driver some specific notes during the process of your online order, and he will be able to contact you by phone or text message before the delivery.

If you wish to communicate sensitive information (gate or alarm code) please contact the depot directly or make a note on your order for the driver to contact you before delivery.

All oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick and are laid so that the tank weight is evenly supported. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers or pillars are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreparable damage to the tank.

A Bunded Tank simply consists of an ‘oil tank within an oil tank’. In the event of a spillage, surplus liquid will collect in the outer tank, thus averting a pollution incident. Bunded Tanks are now required at commercial, industrial, institutional and most domestic premises.

Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber or bund, and the area must be adequately vented.

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flue outlet.

If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760 mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flue outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary.

If water is present, it can be pumped out by using a small hand pump.  Once the water is removed, it would be advisable to flush the boiler feed pipe and change the oil filter to ensure all water is removed.  Depending on your skills, this is probably an operation that should be carried by a service engineer.

The principal sources of water in oil storage tanks are rainwater and condensation.  Rainwater can enter a tank if openings in the tank are left exposed, seals are faulty or damaged or the integrity of the tank has been compromised by rusting or by perforations, cracks or splits in the body of the tank.  Condensation will often occur naturally as the result of temperature differences between the tank/oil and the surroundings, It is part of a delivery driver’s training to ensure that all of the openings used when filling a tank and gauging its contents are closed securely after the filling operation has been completed.

No, however most bunded tanks are pre-supplied with an electronic oil tank gauge, which removes the requirement for a sight-gauge to be fitted.

Site gauge
This is a transparent tube through which the operator of a tank or boiler can observe the level of liquid contained within.

Electronic/smart gauge
A smart gauge which allows you to monitor the volume of fuel remaining inside your tank from the warmth of your home. Some models also allow you to measure heating oil consumption, energy costs, air temperature and carbon emissions.

An annual boiler safety check and boiler service, carried out by a professional service engineer ensures that your boiler is functioning properly.  Regular servicing of your boiler is important as it ensures that the boiler is working to the specifications designed by the boiler manufacturer. This will help prolong the life of the boiler as well as reduce the risk of faults and expensive repairs down the line.

Your boiler should be installed by a qualified and experienced boiler installer.  A good installer will be able to size your new boiler based on the actual heating requirements for your home. This will ensure that the boiler operates at its optimum capacity and be most cost effective.

Most boiler manufacturers recommend an annual service, primarily on the grounds of safety but also to ensure reliability. On efficiency grounds it is well worth servicing oil boilers annually because soot build-up can significantly increase oil consumption.

The SEAI HARP (Home-heating Appliance Register of Performance) database maintains a list of all oil and gas boilers, and their efficiency, that are available on the Irish market. This list is available on the Sustainable Energy Authority’s website.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas. It has no colour, no smell and no taste and is often called the ‘silent killer’. When inhaled, it prevents blood from absorbing oxygen. At high levels it can kill in as little as 3 minutes; at lower levels it causes illness. It kills, on average, 6 people in Ireland every year and makes many more ill. CO can be produced by any fuel when burned – coal, turf, oil, gas, wood. It doesn’t just occur at home – in fact it can be produced anywhere that fuel is being burned: caravans, tents, mobile homes, boats, holiday homes, workplaces. For more information or general advice, visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie or call 1850 79 79 79

There are several ways you can proactively protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Ensure your appliances are correctly installed and SERVICED ANNUALLY
• Ensure that rooms in your home containing heating appliances are properly ventilated – NEVER BLOCK VENTS
• Make sure all chimneys are regularly swept and kept clear
• Use appliances only for the PURPOSE for which they were designed, e.g. do not use a cooker to heat a room
• NEVER use any appliance if you suspect it might be faulty
• If undertaking ALTERATIONS to your home which may affect the safety or efficiency of your heating installation (e.g. adding an extension, converting a garage, removing internal walls, changing a living room into a bedroom, double glazing / weather sealed doors) follow this safety advice:
  • Do not block or build around any existing air vents or flues
  • If creating a new living space, ensure it has ventilation in accordance with Building Regulations
  • If adding additional radiators ensure that your boiler can cope with the additional capacity
  • If you are altering or adding appliances to a natural gas or LPG installation, ensure that work is carried out to IS813:2002 Domestic Gas Installations
• Get professional advice on ventilation and flueing before embarking on alterations to your house.
• Use Carbon Monoxide alarms but remember these are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard.

For more information or general advice, visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie or call 1850 79 79 79

Water based central heating systems only work if there is a minimal amount of air in the system. If the bottom of your radiator is warm but the top is still cold when the heating is turned on, it’s a sign that there is excess air in the system. Bleeding a cold radiator can help improve efficiency and reduce waste.

• Locate your bleed key/screw driver and bleed valve.
• Make sure the heating is turned off as to not introduce additional air into the system.
• Make sure the intake and exit valves are open.
• Place a cloth/kitchen towel under the valve.
• Open the bleed valve. If there is air trapped in the system you will notice a hiss coming from the valve. This will continue until you get water coming from the opened valve.
• Close the valve and repeat on any other radiators you have.
• Check your boiler pressure levels to ensure that you haven’t affected the overall pressure within the heating system. If this is the first time you have had to do this you should consult the instruction guide as provided by the manufacturers.