WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I am about to order more heating oil and was wondering if anyone could advise if it is worth the extra cost ordering premium versus ordinary fuel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 There was a discussion last year where I included some links which may be of help:http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/3/1189781/ShowPost.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 Oh dear, looks like I was complaining about the same thing last year! However, we do have a new roof so fingers crossed. I bought 2000 litres in December and we are almost out! Clair, thank you for the response and link, I can see where premium was discussed but I can't see where anyone would recommend it over regular. I don't care about the smell, I know that is meant to be an advantage but where our tank is located it isn't a problem. I would just like to know if it is more economical or does it really make no difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 We have used premium for the last 6 years, solely because our boiler is ancient and we'd rather not take a chance on it breaking down when we most need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 Our boiler is ancient also but never heard that premium oil would make it last longer. [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I have never heard that either. [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 Why do you think it would help keep it from breaking down then? Please be gentle, I am a complete novice (idiot) on this matter. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMB Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I wonder if it is like those super duper petrols you can buy with additives that clean your engine as you drive. Plus if it burns more cleanly, then it will leave less residue beind - making for a more efficient transfer of heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Premium fuel contains fewer sediments and have additives which help prevent oxidisation and corrosion. These additives help prevent deposits on the burners, soot in the flue and improve consumption through more efficient burning and they help minimise the risk of break-downs. It stays fluid at lower temperature, which is important for us as the overnight winter temperatures are frequently well below zero.We buy premium fuel for peace of mind. Our boiler was installed in 1986 and had been unused for at least 4 years before we moved in. We had it serviced - and have it serviced annually - and have had no problem to date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 Thank you for that Clair, it makes a lot of sense and also what JohnMartinBradley said. However, until last time we have always used ordinary fuel. In fact our boiler is very old and must mention red and GIANT! It can also run on wood. The previous owner did use wood but we have been too nervous to try it. The reason for saying all of this, I would imagine it is probably too late to worry about the cleanliness of ours. We did have the flue cleaned but can't help but think with all the wood in the past and old fuel, perhaps the premium stuff would make no difference. I was told it should last longer but it seemed to disappear as fast as it always did.[8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakunamatata Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I can see you are talking about heating a house but does anyone know about these wonderful little heaters which you can buy. There are at least two types of oil for these things, the cheaper does smell a little but not much and the dearer still smells a bit so what is the difference? Also these big containers that the oil comes in - is there nowhere you can refill them cheaper than buying another full container? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex H Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 [quote user="hakunamatata"] Also these big containers that the oil comes in - is there nowhere you can refill them cheaper than buying another full container?[/quote]Isn't that the stuff thats sold at the garage - next to the petrol / diesel pumps ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 [quote user="hakunamatata"]I can see you are talking about heating a house but does anyone know about these wonderful little heaters which you can buy. There are at least two types of oil for these things, the cheaper does smell a little but not much and the dearer still smells a bit so what is the difference? Also these big containers that the oil comes in - is there nowhere you can refill them cheaper than buying another full container?[/quote]Are you talking about 'petrole' heaters (ie paraffin)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakunamatata Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Yes Parafin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 [quote user="Tandem_Pilot"][quote user="hakunamatata"] Also these big containers that the oil comes in - is there nowhere you can refill them cheaper than buying another full container?[/quote]Isn't that the stuff thats sold at the garage - next to the petrol / diesel pumps ?[/quote]Do garages sell Petrole by the litre? Is it cheaper than the standard 20 litre containers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Parrafin heaters produce huge amounts of condensation and I would not recommend them except for emergency use or very intermittent backup.One point worth bearing in mind when ordering heating fuel is that it can be different in Summer than in Winter.In Winter the formulation will contain additives to prevent clouding (commonly referred to as waxing) at low temperatures whereas fuel bought in Summer may not. I don't know if anything similar to the UK BS standards in regard to this apply in France.Fortunately my tank is in my garage so temperature is not an issue for me [;-)]THE BACKGROUND TO FUEL WAXING PROBLEMS Thetemperature at which a given fuel will give rise to problems (theoperability limit) is indicated by the COLD FILTER PLUGGING POINT(CFPP) test. Generally, the lower the CFPP, the better the lowtemperature characteristics of a fuel. BS2869 requires Oil Companies tosupply diesel fuel with a CFPP of at least -15°C from October to March(-12°C for gas oil / "red" diesel), but only 0° during the summermonths. Often it is well into the winter before diesel operators can besure that their fuel is 'protected' to -15°C, as a result of addingwinter grade fuel into tanks still containing summer grade fuel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 [quote user="powerdesal"][quote user="Tandem_Pilot"][quote user="hakunamatata"] Also these big containers that the oil comes in - is there nowhere you can refill them cheaper than buying another full container?[/quote]Isn't that the stuff thats sold at the garage - next to the petrol / diesel pumps ?[/quote]Do garages sell Petrole by the litre? Is it cheaper than the standard 20 litre containers?[/quote]Don't know about garages, Steve. But, for the 20-litre bidon, I have bought from under 19 euros to 25 euros for the cheapest (not the bio or the sans odeur stuff) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Anybody know what the price differential is between standard and premium ?http://www.fioulmoinscher.fr/tendances.php is showing €0.48 for red diesel in Midi-PyreneesWJT:2000lt since December, that's shocking. 1500lt lasts us for 10 months and that's with a 1995 vintage boiler. We have no other form of regular heating. We do have a woodburner but we only started to use in earnest this winter and then as a supplement rather than a prime source so I it hasn't had much impact on our consumptionMaybe you have a big draughty old house, I don't know, but if yours is really that inefficient then I think you'd be well advised to consider replacing it as you'd achieve payback in a very short time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 I know Ernie it is shocking. It has always used a lot but this time there is a good reason. We have had a new roof put on and lots of work upstairs and has even been open to the elements at times. But what I find strange, it didn't seem to move too much when we didn't have a roof and now that we do the needle seemed to drop very quickly.I feel very guilty for thinking this way but I have even suspected that perhaps someone was taking it.[blink] I so hope I am wrong.Even though the upstairs is partially working, I was hoping that a new roof and new insulation would make a big difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Is it possible someone is stealing it [:-))]I know this was happening in UK so I suppose it's possible here to but surely you would notice someone pulling up in a truck with a tank on the back [blink] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 [quote user="ErnieY"]Is it possible someone is stealing it [:-))]I know this was happening in UK so I suppose it's possible here to but surely you would notice someone pulling up in a truck with a tank on the back [blink][/quote]So I guess you are saying it wouldn't be possible without a truck? Our tank is in the cellar and loads of artisans have access to it. I know it isn't true but it was just such a shock and not to mention disappointment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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