Oil Vs LPG

jascilmil

We are about to commence a self-build project and are trying to make the right decision regarding fuel type. It is a 4 bedroom (plus 2 more rooms in the loft space) detached property in the South of England. Basically our options are as the topic suggests oil or lpg, possibly supported by solar if our budget can stretch to that. Every plumber you speak to has a different take on it.

The question is which is best? Which is cheaper to run on a day to day basis?...and which fuel type is less likely to suddenly rocket in price in the future?

Any help would be appreciated...

mute_posting

I think it probably is swings and round-abouts and I don't think you can expect either to be immune to price volatility.

My folks used to run LPG and for CH and AGA, the isses they had (apart from the ever increasing prices from Calor) was that LPG can be a corrosive gas compared to natural gas and can take it's toll on the combustion equipment (I seem to remember the thermocouple burning through every 18 months or so, and they were told this was because of the LPG).

Also, AFAIK you need extra qualifications to work on LPG which many run-of-the-mill corgi engineers didn't have.

Oil on the otherhand doesn't burn quite as "cleanly" from what I have heard and requires regular servicing to keep the combustion equipment running efficiently.

Have you thought of eliminating the need for fossil fuels to heat and going for somthing like a ground source heat pump?

HTH

MP

Cardew

I would second the ground source heat pump(GSHP) idea being investigated, particularly with a thermal store.

Much of the cost involved in installing a GSHP is caused by the difficulty of installation, which is far less in a property being built.

jascilmil

We have looked at GSHP alternatives however we are on chalk and installation would require a lot of chalk to be removed and replaced by sand. That along with other factors has taken heat pumps off the list of possibilities.

We have however looked at the Thermal Store idea and the possibility of connecting it to our woodburning stove and perhaps solar as well as a Oil or LPG. It seems like a good idea?!

Cardew

jascilmil wrote: »

We have however looked at the Thermal Store idea and the possibility of connecting it to our woodburning stove and perhaps solar as well as a Oil or LPG. It seems like a good idea?!

There have been a couple of threads about connecting a fire to a CH system.

I have such a system(albeit to an open fire) and I wish I hadn't!!!

Without repeating those threads, there are lots of safety implications - vents etc.

moonrakerz

Would suggest you do some research on the Regulations concerning the siting of LPG tanks, they can be quite complex - and expensive !

MJI1962

I would go LPG and for quite a naughty reason.

Transfer pump and extra connection - heating gas is a lot cheaper than autogas and cannot be distinguished from autogas.

Run your car on the same fuel as your house.

Also gas hobs - much nicer than elecric hobs and they usually come with propane nozzles as well.

Cardew

MJI1962 wrote: »

I would go LPG and for quite a naughty reason.

Transfer pump and extra connection - heating gas is a lot cheaper than autogas and cannot be distinguished from autogas.

Run your car on the same fuel as your house.

Also gas hobs - much nicer than elecric hobs and they usually come with propane nozzles as well.

Well suppose that could be called 'money saving' - that is until HMRC(Customs) find out and then you lose lots of money; unless you go to jail!

peat

what about an automatic woodchip or wood pellet system, more expensive to install but thereafter cheaper than oil or LPG

jascilmil

Re. Wood Pellet boilers...Yes, we have begun an in depth look at these possibilities. Apart from the installation costs and space that they take up they look like a great option. I'm tempted. Anyone had any experiences with any particular make?

Daznet

Hi

I have just bought a new house running a dated LPG system for hot water and central heating for a 3 bed detached late 70's house.

Need to update the system and would be grateful if anyone has any facts regarding the energy (kW) e.t.c. to heat a litre of water and to heat a
m³ of space in the house? From this I hope to calculate the cost fo using LPG, Oil or Off Peak Electrcity.

I would be greatful for any help. Mains Gas, Solar, HeatPumps e.t.c. are unfortunately not an option.