Gas v Oil in a house

saverbuyer

Possom wrote: »

Thanks Guys.

So if I was to choose mains gas, is the company to use Phoenix Natural Gas, who I see advertised quite often?

I'm not aware of any competition, so perhaps this is the only available company?

Or Firmus.

The two suppliers are SSE Airtricity (fomerly Pheonix) and Firmus.

Possom

saverbuyer wrote: »

Or Firmus.

The two suppliers are SSE Airtricity (fomerly Pheonix) and Firmus.

Okay, thanks.

I hadn't realised Pheonix no longer existed.

If anyone has any opinions on whether SSE Airtricity or Firmus is the better one to opt for, I'd be interested in learning of this.

mollsnan

For what it's worth here's my experience. Installed gas three years ago,I'm a grandma at home most of the time so heating is on a lot during colder weather. We used 2x900 litres of oil a year, (about £900 today). First year we paid £65 per month direct debit, we ended up in credit. Second year we paid £60 per month, in credit again, this past year paid £50 per month, and after today's reading will be about £200 in credit. Bill for this year will be £600/£630. I prefer to remain in credit so there is no big shock if we use more than our direct debit covers. We reckon we save about £200 a year using gas. Also we have instant hot water, no immersion heater costs. Should have said about £300 saved per year. This is with SSE Airtricity.

warmhands.coldheart

saverbuyer wrote: »

Or Firmus.

The two suppliers are SSE Airtricity (fomerly Pheonix) and Firmus.

Possom wrote: »

Okay, thanks.

I hadn't realised Pheonix no longer existed.

If anyone has any opinions on whether SSE Airtricity or Firmus is the better one to opt for, I'd be interested in learning of this.

I think it still depends on where you live...
I think if you are installing a new systems and a new connection to the mains supply then it's Phoenix you need to contact in "Central" Belfast (Yes they do still exist but they only operate the distribution Network, it's the supply arm of the business they sold off to SSE)

I believe in the Greater Belfast area it's Firmus who run the network and they are the installer....

I could be wrong but that's what I'm led to believe...

I think it's to do with the monopoly agreement they tender for.... basically the supplier agrees to install the network to the houses/industry and they are given a 10 Year monopoly on the distribution in the area as "compensation" for forking out for the investment they make...

Ive_A_Horse_Outside

As most people have said gas is the way to go. I converted my house last year from oil to gas and have saved quite a bit especially in summer months, where, with oil, i would have had to turn on immersion for hot water or burn the oil.

The mains gas grid is still owned and maintained by Pheonix. Their guide to getting conencted is here: http://www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/get-connected/steps-to-connect/

Once your house is hooked up to the 'grid' you can then decide who to purchase your actual gas from (firums, SSE etc)

Possom

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

I think it still depends on where you live...
I think if you are installing a new systems and a new connection to the mains supply then it's Phoenix you need to contact in "Central" Belfast

Yes it's Greater Belfast, and it would be a new connection.

Possom

If I did get mains gas installed, what external 'hardware' is required?

e.g. with oil, an external oil boiler and oil tank are required.

bingo_bango

Another for mains gas.

Had oil until last year - two bed semi. Oil was costing ~£800-900 per year. Had to wait for it to heat water if you wanted to do anything.

Had gas for 14 months now. So have instant heat when wanted, and instant hot water (well, a few seconds delay). Seem to average about £65 per month during the winter, and about £7 per month during the summer months.

Cost £2K to install, but worth every penny IMHO.

Oh, extra storage space in the hotpress, attic, and in the garden as well!

ChrisNI

Possom wrote: »

If I did get mains gas installed, what external 'hardware' is required?

e.g. with oil, an external oil boiler and oil tank are required.

You only need a gas boiler and an outside meter

Possom

ChrisNI wrote: »

You only need a gas boiler

Is the gas boiler something similar in size to a standard oil boiler?

Is a gas boiler usually located in an external shed/garage, or in the house?