Query re changing from oil CH to Electric Combi Boiler

nesssie1702

It's only a thought, but I'd welcome some advice/opinion about changing from an oil fired CH system to one that runs electrically.

Given that the price of oil is ever on the increase (paid 62p a litre this week :eek: and it's not getting cheaper!), I'm seriously considering changing to an electric system. What do you reckon?

nesssie1702

Should have said that we are currently spending around £1500 a year on heating oil and an additional £600 a year on electricity.

Gas is not an option as we live in a rural location.

Cardew

Electric will cost a great deal more than oil.

rising_from_the_ashes

Would 2nd what Cardew's said.

Have you got a log burner to help reduce the need for oil - if you're rural you should be able to find wood around for free which could help a fair bit.

A._Badger

Cardew is right. I looked into this when my plumber mentioned that he had a few customers who have changed. All I can say is they must have more money than sense!

Cardew

At present oil costs around 50p to 55p a litre.

That means approx 5p/kWh to 5.5pkWh even at the 62p a litre you paid it means 6.2p/kWh

Then take into account the efficiency of the oil boiler which can vary from say 60% to 90% so the cost of oil can be between 5.5p/kWh and 8p/kWh.

How much do you pay for electricity? 10P/kWh? 12p/kWh

ilikecookies

nesssie1702 wrote: »

It's only a thought, but I'd welcome some advice/opinion about changing from an oil fired CH system to one that runs electrically.

Given that the price of oil is ever on the increase (paid 62p a litre this week :eek: and it's not getting cheaper!), I'm seriously considering changing to an electric system. What do you reckon?

As folks point out I'd expect electricity to cost you *A LOT* more (even if you were on Economy 7) and of course the price of electricity goes up too!

I ordered oil this week but only paid 50.8 per litre (ex VAT). If you haven't already done so maybe look to see if you can get the cost of your oil down. For example, are there any syndicates/oil buying groups in your area that you could join?

macman

And what do you think the impact of rising oil and gas prices is going to be on electricity prices?
The majority of our electricity generation is going to be dependent on fossil fuels for at least the next ten years or so, given the absence of any new nuclear capacity coming on stream. Renewables will not fill the gap.

nesssie1702

Thanks for all the replies.

I live in the Outer Hebrides, and unfortunately not that many trees up here that I could use in a wood burning stove. Likewise with oil, there's only one supplier, so don't have the option of shopping around.

I'm well aware that renewables aren't going to fill the gap when it comes to electricity generation, and given the latitude I live at solar (or PV) panels won't cut the mustard either.

Currently pay 6p/KwH for cheap electricity and 12p/KwH for peak on my economy 7 meter.

Owain_Moneysaver

6p/kWh off-peak is probably about as cheap as you're going to get for any fuel especially in your location which will transport of any solid/liquid fuel expensive.

Insulate, insulate, and more insulate. Then move as much consumption to off-peak electricity as possible, including washing machine, dishwasher, etc on timers if necessary. It might be worth getting additional or larger storage heaters, or considering air-air heat pump for additional daytime heat (but the capital cost is still quite high). Check the Energy Saving Trust website to see if you can get any grants for insulation.

nesssie1702

Insulation's just about there. Cavity walls were done about 3 years ago and it made a huge difference.

Can't find anyone who'll touch the loft/eaves space as we live in a 1 1/2 store property. (My DH is disabled and can't do it and I'm a tad claustrophobic, so not rushing to do the job either).

I'm also aware of the damage and disruption that an oil spill/leak can have on a property, so it's looking at it from that perspective too.