Looking for a new central heating system for your home? It can be a mindfield trying to work out what the best option for your home and lifestyle is. Each central heating system has its benefits and downfalls, which is why it is important to compare them when choosing a new one.
Choosing the right system for your home will ensure your energy bills are kept as low as possible, as well as keeping you warm in the colder months.
Your options
LPG Central Heating
LGP central heating utilises Liquid Petroleum Gas as its fuel source. This gas is stored in an external tank, usually in your garden, ready to supply the boiler.
Liquid Petroleum Gas is a combination of propane and butane stored under moderate pressure. It is widely available in the UK and is recognised as low carbon and low polluting fuel.
Who is LPG suited to?
- A large quantity of LPG can be stored in a small space, this means that LPG central heating is suitable to a wide range of property sizes.
- LPG boilers can be used in conjunction with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, so if your home already has a renewable energy source it could be a great option for you.
- LPG boilers are relatively cheap to install, which is a benefit to anyone looking to keep initial costs down.
Who is LGP not suited to?
- Houses with a low storage capacity for LPG may find it difficult to keep the boiler running. If you have a small garden it may also be difficult to install an LPG tank.
- They can be more expensive to run than oil burners, meaning they might not be best suited to those on a budget.
Oil central heating
An oil boiler provides central heating using oil as a fuel source. The oil utilised for this central heating method is stored in a tank located on the property.
Who is oil central heating suited to?
- If you are one of the four million homes across the UK that aren’t connected to the mains gas grid, an oil central heating system is best suited to your property.
- Oil boilers are extremely reliable and simple to use, making them a great option for homeowners who want ease of use.
- They are the most common system for heating homes in Northern Ireland, so if you are from this part of the UK they could be the best solution for you.
Who is Oil central heating not suited to?
- Due to the more complicated maintenance required by oil boilers, it is not well suited to single person households.
- There are also higher yearly maintenance costs for oil central heating, which means they are not always the cheapest option.
Gas central heating
Gas central heating is the most popular form of central heating in the UK, with gas making up almost half of all energy used. It works by using gas as a fuel source and transferring it through pipes to radiators throughout the property
Who is gas central heating suited to?
- If your house is connected to the national gas grid, a gas central heating system is usually the cheapest option for your home.
- Gas boilers are relatively easy to maintain, making them a good choice for homeowners who don’t want to worry about regular maintenance.
Who is gas central heating not suited to?
- Homes in rural areas or in properties with low gas supply may struggle to run gas central heating efficiently.
- If your home is not connected to the national gas grid, you’re better off choosing either a LPG or oil central heating system.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best central heating system for your home. These include gas supply, storage space and budget. By taking all of these into consideration, you will be able to choose the right system for you.