When choosing a fuel source or considering switching from one to another, there are many considerations for the estimated 4.4 million households across Great Britain. And with the current UK Government currently championing low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps in its attempts to reach net-zero targets by 2050, awareness is growing at the moment. But heat pumps are, quite simply, not suitable for everyone, and while they are a renewable energy source, they do require electricity to power them.
Whilst it can be argued that heat pumps can significantly reduce your carbon dioxide footprint, barriers to switching to heat pumps include high upfront installation costs, high costs associated with additional upgrades you will need to make to your home to receive the same performance level as with heating oil, and higher electric bills due to increased electricity usage. A BBC news article in October 2023 outlined the unaffordability and impracticalities of installing a heat pump, and according to Future Ready Fuel, it will cost approximately £20,500 to install a heat pump and complete the necessary work needed to maintain the same level of heating.
So in this blog, we’re going to take a look at LPG and why it might be the ideal fuel choice for you, discuss the biggest advantages and disadvantages of switching from heating oil to this energy-efficient fuel, look at whether LPG is a good choice for running your central heating, and what the future holds for LPG.
What is LPG?
Firstly let’s look at heating oil and LPG and the difference between the two fuels.
Whilst both are derived from fossil fuels and used for heating in off-grid homes throughout the UK, LPG is composed mainly of propane and butane, both by-products of petroleum refining, whilst domestic heating oil is produced from kerosene and primarily composed of hydrocarbons. It is usually produced through a process of heating crude oil to high temperatures in a fractionating column.
Is LPG low emission?
Yes. LPG is a low-emission, colourless gas made of molecules that contain hydrogen and carbon atoms. Making it a hydrocarbon gas. It produces fewer pollutants and virtually no particulate matter. Burning less carbon dioxide per unit of energy than domestic heating oil, it is cleaner burning, and offers a major reduction in NOx and SO2 emissions.
What are the biggest advantages of switching to LPG?
Apart from being a really great way to become more energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly, switching from heating oil to LPG has other significant benefits. For one, there’s its versatility. It’s a multi-purpose energy that can be used for heating, running appliances such as gas fires and for cooking, with an instant, controllable flame that can rapidly heat your food and let you whip up a culinary treat. And did you know it's even used to light the Olympic torch?
Then there’s the great news that it’s virtually impossible to steal, unlike home heating oil which can be siphoned off. And in the unfortunate event of a leak, it will quickly and readily evaporate and form a cloud of gas which will rapidly break down in the environment. Whereas oil is a toxic and smelly fuel with a distinct and unpleasant pungent smell, - a leak or spill can produce strong odours and fumes which can lead to headaches, sore throats and eye irritation, not to mention the huge impact a leak can have on the environment, posing a significant risk to waterways, and potentially killing surrounding plants and wildlife. Clean-up costs can run into the thousands of pounds!
Also there’s the fact that LPG is safe. When stored and used correctly, it’s a completely safe way to heat your off-grid home. And tanks can last up to 30 years whereas heating oil tanks usually need replacing after 15-20 years.
Is LPG expensive and what affects prices in the UK?
The cost of LPG should be considered in comparison to other energy sources. OFTEC reported that The Sutherland tables comparative heating costs graph, June 2023, showed the cost of heating a three-bedroomed semi-detached home with a heat requirement of approximately 16,000 kWh is less with LPG than with both electricity and mains gas.
As with heating oil, LPG prices are subject to fluctuations in price. A combination of factors affect the price of LPG in the UK. Supply and demand, global economic conditions, exchange rates, and even production and distribution costs all factor in determining the cost.
In addition to the actual price of LPG, the cost of running an LPG boiler will depend on the efficiency of the boiler itself, the size of your home, how well-insulated your property is and how warm you like to be. Regular maintenance is key to efficient running and also helps the longevity of your boiler – we would always recommend you have it installed and serviced by a GAS SAFE registered engineer.
Are there any disadvantages of switching to LPG?
Of course, there are the initial installation or conversion costs although LPG boilers are significantly less costly than heating oil boilers, and take up less space too.
Then there’s storage space as bulk LPG is stored in a tank located on your property so you’ll need somewhere suitable with adequate space to locate your LPG tank, and in accordance with strict LPG tank installation regulations.
LPG storage tanks should never be installed in buildings or enclosed by walls or solid fences on any more than two sides, and whilst they can be a bit of an eye-sore, under-ground LPG tanks are a potential option subject to the availability of space, and help to maintain the aesthetics of your property.
The good news is that your LPG tank will usually be owned by your supplier, whose responsibility it is to maintain the tank. Whereas, heating oil tanks are usually owned by the homeowner. However, your supplier will charge an annual tank maintenance and tank rental fee depending on the type of LPG tank, so an additional on-going cost to consider.
Then there’s the risk of running out, but LPG tanks come with a gauge which makes it easy to keep an eye on your tank level. Many suppliers offer an automatic refilling service, so you’ll have peace of mind that you won’t run out, or have to plod out to the tank on a rainy and cold winter’s night to check your tank reading.
What is the future of LPG?
Well, the future of heating for off-grid homes is looking bright!
Whilst traditional LPG may eventually be phased out, the LPG industry is committed to being 100% renewable by 2040 with the development of renewable liquid gases such as BioLPG and rDME. Trade Association, Liquid Gas UK, a has a critical role in this transition to renewable energy and in meeting the UK's international commitments on climate change.
Both BioLPG and rDME are ‘drop-in’ solutions, and chemically identical to traditional LPG so can be used with existing LPG boilers and systems. Meaning no costly changes will be required and no sacrificing on performance.
BioLPG is a cleaner and more environmentally friendly friendly energy solution with up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions, whilst rDME is mainly used in industrial settings.
We’re excited about these two new renewable options and are looking forward to being able to offer them soon.
If you’d like to know more about converting from heating oil to LPG, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01423 772 789 or click here to find out more.