A trade association is urging people in Cornwall to sign up to its winter heating scheme.

With temperatures dropping, the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has launched its 2021 Get Winter Ready campaign to encourage rural homeowners across Cornwall to prepare for the winter months ahead.

Launched jointly with trade association OFTEC, UKIFDA’s Get Winter Ready campaign began as temperatures have started to fall after an unseasonably warm Autumn.

Ken Cronin, UKIFDA Chief Executive, said: "We have launched this year’s Get Winter Ready campaign in November as we want to encourage all consumers living in oil-heated homes to order their heating oil early and if they have not done so already to book a boiler service and tank check before winter arrives.

"It makes such a difference to people’s lives if they are prepared for winter and have enough fuel to heat their homes throughout the coldest months."

As part of its annual campaign, UKIFDA is encouraging all rural households to buy their heating early before any harsh weather arrives and when demand is low, and to book an OFTEC-registered technician to both service their boiler and inspect the garden oil tank to ensure any potential problems can be spotted and dealt with early on.

Ken Cronin added: "It’s so important to be ready for winter as running out of fuel when the temperatures are low can impact health and well-being.

"By being prepared, individuals can minimise the impact of bad weather and stay warm in their homes throughout the coldest months.

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"Consumers can feel optimistic about the future of home heating this winter, too, as trials of a renewable liquid fuel continue across the UK.

"We have had early success with the trials and the results are extremely promising, supporting our belief that renewable liquid fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), offer a straightforward, inexpensive to switch and effective alternative to heating oil – cutting emissions by 88% and needing only a few simple changes to the existing oil heating systems that cost approx. £500.

"It’s incredible to think that by the time next winter rolls around, consumers may be able to use a renewable liquid fuel in their homes.

"This would enable them to continue with their same heating systems whilst enjoying a significant cut in carbon emissions."

Paul Rose, Chief Executive of OFTEC, said: "In the meantime, it’s vital we focus on this year’s approaching winter – which is why we urge consumers to be prepared.

"It’s a sensible idea to ensure boilers and tanks are maintained before the winter fuel supply is delivered to make sure the system is in full, efficient working order.

"This will help save money on fuel bills and reduce the risk of any storage issues which could result in a leak and costly clean up."

To find out more about UKIFDA’s Get Winter Ready campaign or to order heating oil, visit https://ukifda.org/find-a-distributor/

To find out more about the HVO trials and the green heating options available to rural households, visit futurereadyfuel.info