If you have run out of heating oil, it can be stressful. Being left without heating and hot water is never ideal, especially during colder weather. The good news is that it can usually be resolved quickly with the right steps.
If you’re wondering what to do if you run out of heating oil, follow the steps below to get your system back up and running safely.
What to do if you run out of heating oil
1. Turn your boiler off
If your tank is empty, switch your boiler off. Running it without fuel can cause it to lock out and may draw air into the system.
2. Check your oil level
Before ordering, make sure the tank is actually empty. A faulty gauge or a supply issue between the tank and boiler can sometimes look like you have run out.
3. Order heating oil
Arrange a delivery from your local supplier as soon as possible. If you have completely run out, let them know, as faster delivery options may be available.
4. Consider temporary methods of heating
While without heating, temporary methods can help maintain your home’s temperature while you wait for a delivery. Electric heaters are a convenient option, particularly when used in the most occupied areas of your home. Wearing extra layers and using blankets can also help keep you comfortable in the meantime.
5. Wait for your tank to be refilled
Your boiler will need a minimum amount of oil in the tank before it can operate again.
6. Reset your boiler
Once the tank has been refilled, your boiler may need to be reset. Most modern systems will have a reset button.
7. Bleed the system if needed
If air has entered the fuel line, the system may need to be bled to remove it. If you are unsure, it is best to contact a qualified heating engineer.
Is it dangerous to run out of heating oil?
Running out of heating oil is not typically dangerous.
Most modern oil-fired heating systems are designed with safety controls that shut the boiler down if the fuel supply runs dry. This helps prevent issues with combustion and protects the system from operating without fuel.
While it can leave your home without heating or hot water, it does not usually present a safety risk. The main priority is restoring your supply and restarting the system correctly.
Why heating oil tanks run empty
Running out of heating oil is more common than many households expect. Typical reasons include:
- not checking tank levels regularly
- increased usage during colder weather
- unexpected demand, such as prolonged heating periods
- fuel theft or leaks
Monitoring your usage is the simplest way to avoid being caught out. Modern tank telemetry systems allow for monitoring from the comfort of your home through a helpful app, often alerting the user when a tank drops below 30%.
What happens when you run out of heating oil
When your tank runs dry, your boiler will usually stop working. Many systems will go into a safety lockout and will not restart automatically once refilled.
In some cases, air can enter the fuel line, which is why a reset or bleed may be required before normal operation resumes.
Do you need an engineer?
Not always.
In many cases, once oil has been delivered:
- a simple reset is enough
- the system will restart normally
However, you may need an engineer if:
- the boiler does not restart after refilling
- you are unable to bleed the system
- there are signs of restricted fuel flow
If in doubt, it is always safest to contact a qualified professional. Oilfast has partnered up with professional OFTEC accredited & fully insured tank engineers for all types of oil tank work.
How to avoid running out of heating oil
There are a few simple ways to reduce the risk of running out again:
Check your tank regularly
Use a dipstick or gauge to monitor your oil level, especially during winter.
Order before your tank gets too low
Leaving a margin helps avoid unexpected shortages.
Consider a tank monitoring system
Remote monitoring can track your usage and alert you when levels are low. Tank telemetry offers additional reassurance by monitoring oil levels automatically and helping ensure deliveries are arranged before fuel runs too low. Some systems can also support automatic top-ups, reducing the risk of running out unexpectedly. Oilfast customers who sign up to a Budget Plan also receive free Smart Tank equipment and professional installation worth over £200, helping spread heating oil costs more evenly throughout the year.
Plan ahead during colder months
Heating demand often increases in winter, so usage may be higher than expected.
Spread the cost with a budget payment plan
Spreading your heating oil costs across the year can make it easier to manage your usage and avoid delaying orders when levels are low. Our budget payment plan also includes a free Smart Tank monitor, allowing us to track your levels and help ensure you do not forget to reorder.
Cold Weather Priority support
If you are aged 75 or over, you may be eligible for our Cold Weather Priority support. This helps prioritise deliveries during busy winter periods, particularly for customers in rural or harder-to-reach locations.
Find out if you are eligible here.
Need heating oil?
If you have run out of heating oil, arranging a delivery as soon as possible is the quickest way to restore heating and hot water.
Contact your local depot to discuss delivery options and availability.
