If you've been contemplating the efficiency of your home's heating system, the comparison between LPG and oil might just spark your interest. Let's delve into why LPG has emerged as a more efficient and versatile heating alternative for those looking to reduce their impact on their environment.
Oil stands as a highly efficient fuel, with over 90% burned off and utilised as energy, showcasing its practicality. However, LPG is also an energy-rich fuel with a host of advantages over traditional heating oil boiler and tank systems.
For starters, LPG emits fewer carbon emissions and significantly fewer particulates, NOx, and SOx. This means it can be used inside the home for cooking as well as heating, so you can power your gas cooker or AGA with it. It’s reliable, providing continuous heat and hot water when you need it, and it works with combi boilers too. In fact, there is a wide range of LPG boilers on the market from various manufacturers, giving you a big choice in the size, type, and price.
Speaking of costs, LPG can prove to be a cost-efficient fuel source that helps you avoid fluctuating oil prices or complex electricity tariffs. Bulk underground storage tanks can be installed at your home, to give you the benefit of buying in bulk. LPG supply agreements mean you know what tariff you’re paying upfront, to help with budgeting. They are also cheaper to maintain than a heating oil tank. Bulk LPG purchasing is possible because it doesn’t deteriorate over time, unlike some other fuels that can gel or evaporate.
The costs and ease of installing an LPG system also need highlighting because costs are significantly cheaper than electric, oil, and air source heat pumps. Installations are quick, without needing to jump complex planning hurdles.
It can also be simpler to find qualified professionals to work on your LPG system since there are more Gas Safe Registered Engineers compared to OFTEC Technicians. Moreover, you’ll have added peace of mind that your boiler installation will be done safely by a Gas Safe Registered engineer (a requirement under UK law), whereas oil engineers don’t actually need a qualification to fit an oil boiler.
The most compelling argument, however, is probably how LPG can help to get your home ready for the future, and support you in taking your first steps in cutting your carbon footprint. LPG can blend with renewable energy sources like solar power, as well as emerging renewable fuels like biopropane. Indeed, many renewable fuels can use existing LPG infrastructure with minimal changes.
So as you’re weighing up your options, consider not just the immediate efficiency gains you can get from switching to LPG but also its longer-term benefits. To find out more about switching from oil to LPG, check out our guide.