Central Heating Oil vs LPG

munchings-n-crunchings

I currently live in a former Notts coal mining village, with no mains gas.
My present heating system is an open fire with back boiler, and I would like to convert to a cleaner, more controlable system.
My options are either Oil or LPG, as my electric is already astronomical.
I don't need to take the installation costs into account, but would value any opinions as to which option for running costs and reliability would be the better way to go. :rolleyes:
My house has 3 bedrooms, and is occupied by at least 1 person, most of the time.

I know it's all personal preferences, but this is such a big move for me, i'd value some input.

Thank you

paceinternet

Lots already posted in the forum about this.
Consider Oil may need more regular and costly servicing, although some people will say both need annual servicing.
Relative fuel prices could change, although lpg seems to be more competitive than it used to be since the oil price increases over the last 2 years. Actual running costs may be similar if oil is around 60+p per litre and lpg 40p per litre. Note they have different energy values.
LPG (propane) gives you 7.1kw per litre, oil 10.2kw

This also assumes the boiler you buy has the same efficiency of around 90%. The oil version will cost more to buy than the lpg model.

Try getting quotes for each fuel delivered in your area.

Most important to also understand that bulk lpg should be subject to new regulations regarding changing your supplier sometime in the next x months. It may be beneficial to avoid entering into a supply contract until those regulations are in place.
In the interim you could consider 47kg bottles, so check out prices for those as well in your area.

thrifty_mike

OIL - every time!

My friend regrets the day he went for LPG and is now tied into a contact that is SO costly. At least with oil you can shop around for prices and the modern boilers are SO efficient (my Grant Euroflame is 92% on a conventional flue).

Service costs are very similar - and any boiler should be serviced each year to maintain efficiency. There is also less to go wrong with an oil boiler - gas control valves can be very finnicky.