Oil boilers
Oil boilers offer one of the best options for efficient and effective home heating, especially for the four million off grid homes in the UK.
Offering many of the benefits of a gas boiler, without needing to be connected to the gas network or having to rely on fluctuating prices, oil boilers give you the flexibility to shop around and buy fuel as and when you need it.
Whether you’re replacing an ageing oil boiler or switching from another fuel type, we’ll help you choose the right model, find your installer and show you exactly how to use it in the home.
What are oil boilers?
Oil boilers work in much the same way as gas boilers, but are powered by an on-site storage tank of fuel. That means you’ll need to have the space to install a tank, normally in your garden or grounds, and you’ll need to monitor the levels to make sure you don’t run out.
Modern oil boilers are extremely efficient, with many converting 90% of their fuel to energy – the same levels as most gas boilers. Oil also tends to be cheaper than other options like LPG or electricity.
How much do oil boilers cost?
Oil boilers can vary from £1,000 to £5,000 – depending on the brand, type of boiler, and needs of your home. Installation costs can also vary, dependent on whether this is a replacement oil boiler or if you’re switching fuel types, but you can expect an oil boiler installation to cost between £1,000 and £3,000.
Government grants are available to help with the cost, including the Energy Company Obligation and the Boiler Replacement Scheme.
When it comes to running costs, oil is cheaper than both LPG and electric – but a little more expensive than gas.
Independent
Being off-grid and on-site, you’re free to choose where and when you buy your fuel.
Efficient
Convert 90% of fuel into heating energy for your home, just like the best gas boilers.
Flexible
Get your boiler installed inside or outside. Stockpile fuel whilst it’s cheap. You’re in charge.
Which oil boiler is right for me?
Choosing the right type of oil boiler will largely depend on two things – the demands of your home (how much heating and water you need) and its existing boiler setup (whether you’re replacing an oil boiler or switching boiler type.) Don’t forget that with oil boilers, you also have the bonus of being able to choose whether it’s installed inside or outside the home.
Combi oil boilers
Combi oil boilers are the perfect heating solutions for smaller homes with a single bathroom. They are single units, meaning no separate water tanks taking up space, and they provide instant hot water on demand.
System oil boilers
System oil boilers are a better solution for medium to larger homes, as they draw directly from the water mains but store heated water in a tank. This means more hot water is available at once, so they’re great for multiple bathrooms or busy homes.
Regular oil boilers
Regular oil boilers, sometimes known as traditional boilers, are mostly found in larger, older properties. Rather than drawing from the mains, regular boilers use cold and hot water tanks to heat the home. Whilst this means more space is required, it also means that higher demand can be met for larger, busier homes.
Find a local installer
Each heating system needs custom designing. Find and contact a Worcester Accredited Installer in your area to book a home visit.
After calculating the best system for your home and hot water requirements, your installer will then provide you with a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of boiler is best for my home?
Choosing between oil boilers depends on lots of different factors – like the boiler you already have, the space in your home, how many bathrooms you have (and how many of them get used at once.) For the best way to get a real handle on which is best for you, speak to one of our accredited engineers in your area.
Can I get an oil boiler installed?
An engineer in your area will be able to give you a definitive answer, but unless you’re lacking the outdoor space for the tank or the access for installation equipment – you can probably get an oil boiler installed.
How long do oil boilers last?
Oil boilers have the same lifespan as your average gas boiler, which is between 10 and 15 years. With regular services and checks, there’s no reason why you can’t expect your boiler to last up to its full warranty.
Can oil boilers use modern heating controls?
Yes. Today’s oil boilers use all the same heating controls as the gas boilers you’re used to, including smart controls and mobile functions.
Which is better for off-grid homes, oil or LPG?
It really depends on your home. But in a nutshell, oil installations are larger and more expensive but will give you lower monthly bills. LPG installations are cheaper and smaller, but your monthly bills will be higher.
Can oil boilers keep up with busy, modern homes?
Yes, just as much as gas or LPG can. That’s because the amount of hot water provided is dependent on the boiler type, rather than fuel type. System and regular boilers are the better options for larger or busier homes.
Are oil boilers energy efficient?
Most of our boil boilers are as efficient as gas – reaching efficiency levels of more than 90%. This varies from model to model and type to type, so always check the ErP rating, which ranges from A+++ to F.