Lpg or oil un country cottage?

constancebs

Our usual oil supplier has told us he won't deliver any more oil until we've modernised our equipment. This might be an opportunity to change to other means of heating, but we have enquired about biomass and heat pump, and apparently it's not for us, because it's a relatively small house, and it's not well insulated. The last thing we can compare is oil versus LPG. Has anybody got any views on that? Cost, old house, ... Thank you all!

J_B

To the side of your message says "Newbie Alert - be especially nice"

So I will politely suggest that you read the very long thread about LPG
It will lead you to discover that you can soon be ripped off by LPG suppliers who seem to 'think of a number' regarding price and then keep edging it up in the hope that you won't notice.

If you have oil and it works ok, then 'ain't broke = don't fix' is surely the answer

Just get a new oil tank and carry on ........ ??

Ebe_Scrooge

constancebs wrote: »

Our usual oil supplier has told us he won't deliver any more oil until we've modernised our equipment.

I'm not sure what you mean by "modernised our equipment" - I can only assume that the tank itself is unsafe, other than that there's no reason for a supplier to refuse delivery. If that's the case, then as per the previous poster just get the tank replaced or repaired and carry on with oil.


If it's a straight choice between oil and LPG then oil wins hands down every time.

macman

Why would you swap to a fuel with a higher cost per kWh? Capital cost, plus higher running costs...

Robisere

If you have to 'modernise your supply' it probably means work to rejet or replace boiler, cooker and anything else. That would also be true if you used LPG, but have you looked at Calor Gas? Check this map for your area: https://www.calor.co.uk/find-a-stockist

It also might be possible to get a government grant to insulate the cottage, I would look into that. If you keep using energy in a home with no insulation, you are throwing away money for as long as you live there.

EDIT Until 2000, my Fil and Mil used Calor Gas, they had a big tank fitted for their large, 3-bed bungalow. Before the 3 daughters left home, the tank was only filled every 18 months. When the girls left, it was every 2+ years.

Davesnave

Robisere wrote: »

If you have to 'modernise your supply' it probably means work to rejet or replace boiler, cooker and anything else..

It probably wouldn't, as the supplier typically has no interest in such matters, and anyway, 'supply' means none of those things. Some suppliers service equipment too, but they would condemn items specifically if that were the case.

Their interest most likely lies in not being culpable in the case of an oil tank leaking and causing environmental pollution, through filling one which is obviously unsound, or supposted in an inadequate manner.

Two weeks ago I had to make a special arrangement to have a brand new bunded tank filled before it was plumbed-in. As an existing customer, this was relatively easy, but I still had conditions attached.

Davesnave

OP, even old country cottages can have insulation improved, but this area is complex, because these properties were created at a time when it was normal for there to be an interchange of air and moisture through the fabric of the building.

Too often, those who have cottages make 'improvements' which create as many problems as they solve.

This is a large subject, so I commend you to look at the forum below:

http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/

N9eav

constancebs wrote: »

Our usual oil supplier has told us he won't deliver any more oil until we've modernised our equipment. This might be an opportunity to change to other means of heating, but we have enquired about biomass and heat pump, and apparently it's not for us, because it's a relatively small house, and it's not well insulated. The last thing we can compare is oil versus LPG. Has anybody got any views on that? Cost, old house, ... Thank you all!

Change supplier. I can't see why any supplier would refuse an order unless there was something really wrong with the tank. The supplier has no idea of knowing what appliance you have in the house. Tell us about the tank
Steel, Plastic, balanced on 2 blocks?


Current reports on oil prices say that OIL is the cheapest way to go at this time

Rhino666

I have LPG at my property in South Devon but use it very little as woodburners installed.


Have to say I am surprised at the support for oil. It is a far dirtier fuel to burn and easier to steal.
True there is some sharp practice with the supplers but the LPG thread on here will put you right.


In truth I think there is very little to choose between the two if you were starting from scratch but they are both clearly compromises where no mains gas supply. If your boiler is still serviceable I would stick to oil, otherwise check of the cost of supplies in your area and consider the possible merits of burning a cleaner fuel. The government may decide to treat dirtier fuels like oil a little more harshly taxwise in the future - any excuse.

N9eav

Rhino666 wrote: »

Have to say I am surprised at the support for oil. It is a far dirtier fuel to burn and easier to steal.
.

True, but it does not explode. It does not kill you if it leaks into your house unnoticed and its far less technical to install.

Cardew

N9eav wrote: »

True, but it does not explode. It does not kill you if it leaks into your house unnoticed and its far less technical to install.

Also it is as cheap as mains gas - people are reporting oil prices that means it costs less than 3p/kWh.


No contest - oil!