A common frustration shared by many off-grid homeowners and tenants who use oil boilers is the pungent smell around their homes created when heating oil is burned, delivered, and transferred into its storage tank (and leaks, of course). It seems to be part and parcel of having an oil boiler, especially if your boiler has sat idle throughout the summer and is fired up for the first time in the autumn.
Smells can require urgent attention
So while the smell of oil around the house might be nothing to worry about - if annoying - it could indicate an issue of concern. If the smell indicates an oil leak you need to act quickly and get a professional in to take a close look. If an oil leak does occur, the oil can soak into porous materials like wood floors, carpets, furniture, clothing and more. The heating oil smell can linger for some time, and you could even have to throw material away.
Lingering smells can damage fabrics
Again, while it could be nothing untoward, a persistent smell of oil could also indicate faulty or clogged equipment, which would also require a professional to come and resolve. When a delivery is made, you’ll often smell the oil again as the tank is filled, a regular annoyance for those living with heating oil. The strong kerosene odour can get into your clothing and other fabrics, and although you can use vinegar or strong detergents to combat this, over time the smell will linger.
Health impacts
Public Health England advises that you stay away from any fumes created when burning kerosene as it can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness and drowsiness. If it gets onto your skin (through your clothing or a spill, for example) it can cause rashes. Children and vulnerable adults (like pregnant women and the elderly) are also advised to avoid breathing in fumes where possible.
A less smelly alternative
In contrast, there are several alternative fuels and energy sources that avoid using heating oil and its smells entirely. One of these is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) which is a colourless hydrocarbon gas. It produces up to 20% fewer carbon emissions than oil and up to 33% less than coal, along with fewer ash and odours compared to oil, and it significantly reduces harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). Switching to LPG removes oil smells completely while providing a high-energy, efficient way to heat your off-grid home.
Installing an LPG boiler doesn’t require a complete infrastructure overhaul. With a few minimal changes, like putting in a new tank or cylinder, you can make the switch to a less smelly, lower-emission fuel.
The experts at Flogas are ready to help you change from oil to LPG. Learn more now.
