Oil versus gas.

alan_ni

I have an oil boiler which needs replaced and was considering whether I should take the opportunity to switch to gas. Just wondering in terms of running cost, which one is cheapest or does it depend on usage and size of the property? In terms of installation, which is cheapest? Grateful for any insights into this. 

david29dpo

Are you thinking of bottles or bulk tank?

alan_ni

david29dpo said:

Are you thinking of bottles or bulk tank?

From the grid - Firmus are the supplier in my area.

david29dpo

Mains gas?  If so no brainer.

moneytalks

After 30 years of having oil, I changed to mains gas.I have a credit meter, so I get a bill every quarter. I did not have TRV’s on radiators with oil. With the meter for gas, I can see how much it costs to run the heating for how long I have the heating on.

With oil I did not know how much it was costing to run on a weekly basis.The oil was on and then turned off when house was warm. If you get a gas combi boiler, you will have hot water anytime you want it, by turning on the hot tap.

We do not have a tank in the loft anymore and the hot water tank in the cupboard upstairs has also gone. We have a condensing boiler. The lower the temp you set the boiler for heating the radiators, the more efficient it is.

The price is coming down in our area from next month as we are with Firmus. We are stuck with Firmus, other areas have a choice of moving to whoever is the cheapest.

One bit of advice, whatever heating you decide on, make sure your loft is well insulated.

More_Tea

For oil: best system is probably a sealed system, unvented hot water. Condensing boiler. No tanks required in the roof space. Use a pressurised hot water cylinder, which could be on any floor, and which can produce over 70 litres of hot water / minute.

You can make a purchase of oil when prices appear low, which obviously can't be done with gas. Oil is generally regarded as safer.

The two comparison charts at the link below, appear to show that although gas was cheaper in years past, the cost of gas and home heating oil in Northern Ireland in the last two years have become comparable.
https://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/research/home-energy-index

ballyblack

Oil every time for me.

Gas boilers are very expensive for parts if they go wrong and only a Gas Safe fitter can repair

Oil burner repairs work out cheaper 

Oil is on the way down at the moment and if you have a big tank can buy when its cheap. Gas not so!

snowmen

For us gas is a clear winner.
Not worrying about running low or out (especially at xmas)
And having instant hot water for baths in the summer months (especially important if you have kids)
Horses for courses I suppose depending on your personal situation!

400ixl

snowmen said:

For us gas is a clear winner.
Not worrying about running low or out (especially at xmas)
And having instant hot water for baths in the summer months (especially important if you have kids)
Horses for courses I suppose depending on your personal situation!

Ermm, oil fired can provide instant hot water in exactly the same way gas can.

Oil is cheaper as a source (but does mean buying in bulk) and easier to maintain with boilers typically lasting decades. There is no worry about running out if the tank is of a decent size, so not really a consideration.

Mains gas is continuous and doesn't need to be bought in bulk.

It is a difficult one, although when we have to replace our oil boiler it will probably be for a heat pump as may as well do it now rather than gas and then be forced to heat pump in the future and paying for two conversions over time.

snowmen

400ixl said:

snowmen said:

For us gas is a clear winner.
Not worrying about running low or out (especially at xmas)
And having instant hot water for baths in the summer months (especially important if you have kids)
Horses for courses I suppose depending on your personal situation!

Ermm, oil fired can provide instant hot water in exactly the same way gas can.

Oil is cheaper as a source (but does mean buying in bulk) and easier to maintain with boilers typically lasting decades. There is no worry about running out if the tank is of a decent size, so not really a consideration.

Mains gas is continuous and doesn't need to be bought in bulk.

It is a difficult one, although when we have to replace our oil boiler it will probably be for a heat pump as may as well do it now rather than gas and then be forced to heat pump in the future and paying for two conversions over time.

Our oil system needed the immersion to be put on in summer months for hot water. If newer systems don't need this then that is good.
Gas heats up our radiators far quicker than oil did.
Don't miss the ringing around for prices when need a fill too, and there was always the risk of running out if not careful.

ballyblack

Don't miss the ringing around for prices when need a fill too

Is this not what money saving is all about? saving a few quid?  
I am so glad I can do this with oil, not so with  pricey gas