Heating Oil Theft?

Jumpy · 20-02-2006 7:57pm #1

Ok, Im not too familiar with heating oil, as this is a new thing for me, but the Tank had 500 litres put in when I moved in just over a month ago, and now its near empty.

I run it max 5-6 hours a day, and thats approx 16.5 litres used each day... this does not sound right to me.
Its just been serviced, and no evidence of a leak.

The only thing I can think of is theft... is it quite common?

Is there anyway to know if someones been at the tank, and does anyone know where in Limerick to get a lock for the things?.

HPMan · 20-02-2006 8:27pm

What with the cost of oil, coal, etc - all energy - going up, then I think it's very likely it happens. If it's happened to you, I don't know - did you get a ticket from the delivery man showing details of the starting amount (ie 0000 ltrs) and your's showing 500 ltrs.

Probably depends also on how hot you have your radiators, a 1 deg C decrease in room temp = 10% saving on energy.

By the way, how much did you pay for your oil (gasoil / kerosene?)?

Regards

HPMan

hobie · 20-02-2006 8:38pm

what temp do you have the boiler set at? .....

I have mine at 55c up to Christmas and 60c from Jan ... hoping to get thru the heating season with one full tank full (300 gals or say about 1350 ltrs)

Jumpy · 20-02-2006 11:46pm

Yep, got a rctp stating 500 litres. And my dipstick mark.
Its definitely gone, it was about 350 for 500 litres.
Boiler set to 60C
I cant imagine it using 500 litres in a month even constantly on though.

bazz26 · 21-02-2006 12:16am

Don't know if you can get a lock for the tank but it might be worth investing in a lock for the entrance into your back where the tank is or buy a cheapish cctv camera from the likes of Argos or Lidl.

sioda · 21-02-2006 9:21am

Jumpy get your boiler checked if its not too well it will eat oil and that could empty your tank quicker

hobie · 21-02-2006 9:55am

I cant imagine it using 500 litres in a month even constantly on though

nothing wrong with the temp (60c) ....... and if your boiler is starting ok and no black smoke (and remembering it's recently been serviced) I think someone is pinching your oil !!!!

My 300 gal tank costs 900.00 euro to fill (last time) .....

that's big money and oil is as good as cash !!!! :rolleyes: .......

you are going to have to beef up the security because they will come back again ...:mad: ..... that's for sure ....

HPMan · 21-02-2006 10:02am

Jumpy, are your radiators bled - do you have cold spots in them? Is it a new system? Does it have Fernox or similar (anti-corrosion fluid) in the system?

Boiler temp seems OK at 60deg. If you have a B&Q or similar place close by, they have very good leafets - free - for small scale DIY jobs like what to look out for if radiators are cold at the top as opposed to being cold at the bottom - means 2 different things.

HPMan

Jumpy · 21-02-2006 10:21am

HPMan wrote:

Jumpy, are your radiators bled - do you have cold spots in them? Is it a new system? Does it have Fernox or similar (anti-corrosion fluid) in the system?

Boiler temp seems OK at 60deg. If you have a B&Q or similar place close by, they have very good leafets - free - for small scale DIY jobs like what to look out for if radiators are cold at the top as opposed to being cold at the bottom - means 2 different things.

HPMan

Ill pop down to B&Q as soon as I can afford heating oil again :mad:

Heating Oil Theft?

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