You might already use LPG to heat your home and for cooking, or maybe you’re considering installing LPG in place of your existing fuel source. Either way, buying an LPG boiler is a major investment, and one you want to get the most from, especially in these days of rising prices and the cost of living crisis.
So whether you’re an existing LPG user or are new to LPG and considering changing from an alternative energy source such as heating oil, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of LPG boilers, and how you can get the very best from your boiler in terms of lifespan and performance.
The Pro’s
The nearest thing to mains gas
LPG boilers work in much the same way as natural gas boilers and are a great choice for the estimated 16% of domestic properties in the UK that, according to Liquid Gas UK, are not connected to the mains gas grid.
Instead of running on natural gas, LPG boilers, as their name suggests, run on Liquified Petroleum Gas, or LPG. So for off-grid households in rural locations throughout the UK, an LPG boiler is a great solution and will provide the nearest thing to a mains gas supply.
An LPG boiler will burn fuel to produce the instant energy required on demand, and due to its versatility, can be used to heat radiators, run underfloor heating and other appliances such as gas fires, as well as to provide hot water for your family. It will also supply an instant flame for cooking, providing versatility in the kitchen too.
Cost-effective
The cost of a new LPG boiler is, in general, significantly cheaper than a heating oil or natural gas model or when compared to the cost of installing a heat pump. And then, of course, heat pumps aren't suitable for every property.
The price you pay for a new LPG boiler will depend on several factors. These can include the brand and model you choose, the capacity of the boiler and additional features it may have, its energy efficiency rating, and the length of its guarantee. Do your research and look for LPG boilers from reputable manufacturers that offer good warranties and reliable customer after-care service.
You do want to ensure you choose a boiler that’s going to suit your requirements, as well as your budget, and is going to be the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your home. It’s important to consider other things too, such as insulation costs which are usually much cheaper than for a home heating oil boiler, maintenance requirements, and ongoing fuel costs.
Modern condensing LPG boilers can achieve efficiencies of 90% or higher – and higher energy efficiency means lower energy consumption. In addition, LPG is a more efficient fuel than heating oil, having a higher energy content per unit volume, so if you’re considering switching your energy source from heating oil, you may find that when using LPG your heating bills reduce. Especially if you’re replacing an older inefficient oil boiler with a new A-rated LPG one – all good news for your back-pocket!
The cleaner choice
While still a fossil fuel, LPG is a low-carbon fuel source that is cleaner than other fuels such as domestic heating oil and coal. While all fossil fuels do produce carbon dioxide when burned, LPG produces 12% less than oil and 35% less than coal, and gives off less emissions such as SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. So by choosing an LPG boiler, you can be sure that you’re doing your bit for the environment.
And not only is LPG the more environmentally friendly source of energy when compared to other fossil fuels, renewable gases are on their way and will be available shortly. BioLPG and rDME are both 'drop in' solutions as they work with your existing boiler, and both reduce carbon emissions significantly. So exciting times ahead, with the future of off-grid heating looking bright,
The cons
Well, we may be biased but there really aren’t any cons! Other than the need for space on your property for the LPG bulk storage tank which can be an above-ground or below-ground tank, ideal if you don’t want to lose any garden space, and kinder on the eye. Your GAS SAFE engineer will advise on location and ensure that your LPG tank is located in accordance with UK LPG installation regulations.
Of course, what differs from mains gas is having to remember to check your tank level to make sure you don’t run out. Although with the Northern Energy LPG package, our automatic refilling service takes care of that for you.
As with all gas boilers, security devices such as carbon monoxide alarms must be installed to ensure the safety of you and your family, but when used correctly, LPG is an extremely safe fuel choice.
So now we’ll take a look at the most common types of LPG boilers.
Which boiler to choose
If you’re in the marketplace for a new boiler, there are three main types to choose from:
Conventional, or Regular LPG boilers
These boilers are good for homes that have a high demand for instant hot water. However, whilst LPG boilers are more compact than other types of boiler, with a conventional boiler you do need space for a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank which are usually stored in the airing cupboard and loft. Because of this, the cost of your boiler installation is likely to be higher than with other types of LPG boiler.
LPG Combi (Combination) boilers
These boilers are compact and lightweight in design. There’s no need for a hot water cylinder or water storage tank as they heat water as and when you need it, but the downside is they are limited to the amount of hot water they can supply, making them ideal for smaller homes or properties with limited space.
LPG system boilers
These boilers are similar to conventional boilers but have additional components. They work with sealed hot water cylinders in the same way as a conventional LPG boiler, but don’t require a cold water storage tank.
If your existing LPG boiler is over 10 years old, is unreliable and keeps breaking down, or is struggling to provide you with the heat you need to keep your home nice and toasty in the winter months, it may be time to consider a new boiler. Or perhaps you're new to LPG and your heating oil boiler is at the end of it's life.
When choosing your LPG boiler, consider things like the size of your property, how many people live there and what your hot water requirements are, what space you have available, and your budget.
Once you’ve replaced your LPG boiler or made the choice to switch to LPG from another fuel source such as home heating oil, you should take steps to ensure your boiler continues to work efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your boiler operating at its maximum efficiency and enhance its lifespan.
An annual service will also help prevent carbon monoxide exposure and minimize boiler issues, saving you from future repair costs, as any potential issues or wear and tear will be spotted at the time of the service by your GAS SAFE engineer before they become serious. By always choosing a GAS SAFE registered engineer, you’ll ensure that you receive the highest standards of safety and expertise by using an engineer who is legally qualified to work on gas appliances such as boilers.
Not only that, but we're only at the end of the phone and here to help and advise, so why not call us for a chat on 01423 772 789.