If your boiler is on its last legs, it’s a good time to evaluate your options when it comes to heating your home.
There is no better time to make a switch away from oil boilers, with a wide range of LPG models available on the market that can offer greater flexibility with storage options and the option of blending with renewable fuels or energies.
How to predict if your boiler needs replacing
There are several tell-tale signs to watch out for when using your boiler, especially if you’re coming close to the end of its lifespan at around 15 years for an oil boiler. The first thing to keep an ear out for is kettling, a high-pitched whistling sound coming from your radiator or boiler. Similarly, if there are gurgling, hissing or banging noises coming from your boiler, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional.
The flame when your oil boiler is burning shouldn’t be orange or very yellow as this is an indicator that something is not right. Again, you’ll have to call in a professional to check it over.
When your boiler is running, check for any leaks around the boiler itself or the oil storage tank. These can be a significant cost to repair, and environmentally too. Depending on the scale and severity of the oil leak, you may even have legal ramifications to contend with.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, or simply getting frustrated by the number of times an engineer has to come, look at, and fix your boiler, it’s worth considering the various alternatives on the market now.
Many options for heating
Looking at alternative ways to heat your home now will pay off in the long run, but also give you some immediate benefits. For starters, switching to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) can still give you an energy-rich fuel but without as many smells or the ash of oil. It also has a lower sulphur content and fewer carbon emissions compared to oil. LPG can also be used for cooking, as well as heating in your home. LPG is an ideal solution and can work as part of a blended solution incorporating heat pumps, solar panels, wind, and more.
There are also renewable liquid gas options like rDME and rDME blends, which are similar to LPG and require minimal changes to infrastructure, and biopropane, which is chemically identical to propane with 100% availability expected by 2050.
LPG boilers cost less
Not only is LPG a more flexible and pleasant fuel source, but installing an LPG boiler can cost a lot less than an oil boiler. In fact, LPG boiler models start from £350. Compare this to a new oil boiler, which can cost £4,700 on average, or the expense of repairing your old boiler [Link to repair old boiler blog - 2/008].
LPG boilers are available from a range of manufacturers and in different sizes and types. Moreover, most LPG boilers tend to be more compact and have lower noise outputs compared to oil boilers.
Greater storage options
This convenience extends to fuel storage too, with the option to install an LPG storage tank underground or to use cylinders. Installing an LPG solution is relatively simple as your existing infrastructure will likely not need to change much. Of course, Flogas experts are on hand to help you understand your options for fuel storage depending on your space and location.
You can get greater peace of mind when using an LPG system too, since you need a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to install it and check your home for LPG suitability. They are readily available, and can also advise on the best boiler for your needs to ensure the greatest fuel efficiency.
New opportunities
As you can see, the end of your old boiler gives you new opportunities to explore more pleasant fuel sources with lower carbon emissions. Taking the time now to consider alternatives, will keep your home warm for many years to come, but with immediate flexibility, storage, and environmental benefits.
Learn more about LPG, contact Flogas to begin your journey today.
