Are you looking for information about the benefits of oil boilers? If you are considering installing an oil fired boiler, the article below will offer helpful advice on how an oil boiler compares to other boilers.

How Does an Oil Fired Combi Boiler Work?

An oil combination boiler system works in very much the same way as a gas boiler alternative. You would use an oil-fired boiler to heat your water.

It will then supply your central heating systems, which will heat all your radiators and the hot water through your household taps. 

The main difference between an oil-fired combi boiler and a gas boiler is that the oil fired boiler will require a constant supply of oil.

The oil is delivered and stored in a tank on your property. The hot water provided by your oil-fired combi boiler is always instant because the system is connected directly to the water mains supply. When you purchase an oil-fired combi boiler, you can store your fuel on the grounds near your property.

These tanks can be rented from the oil supplier, which could increase the cost, you could, of course, have your tank installed. Oil storage tanks can be installed above or below the ground.

Depending on your requirements, you can top the storage tank up whenever you need to.  The majority of today's modern oil-fired combi boilers are up to 95% energy-efficient.

There are many oil-fired combi boilers available that are 'A' rated as well as other types of boilers.

Oil-fired combi boilers are becoming increasingly popular because they have many advantages over different types of boilers. 

As with other types of boilers you will need to have your oil boiler and tank serviced every year, this service will ensure your oil-fired combi boiler is working efficiently. Due to the compact size of oil-fired combination boilers, they are perfect for smaller properties.

Oil-fired combi boilers will control the flow of your hot water, and this ensures that your water is as hot as it should be. 

It means that the flow rate is often lower than the flow rate that you get from hot-water cylinder systems and gas combination boilers.

How Many Homes use Oil Heating?

Most people presume that every household in the UK has gas pipes connected to their homes. In fact, almost 4 million houses do not have gas supplied to their homes.

There are around 1.5 million homes currently using kerosene to heat their homes. Oil-fired heating systems are a great alternative to conventional gas heating. They are especially suitable for the estimated 4 million homes that are not on the gas network.

In many rural areas of the United Kingdom, where gas networks are out of reach, oil heating systems seem to be a popular option.

There are two types of oil boilers.

There is a heat supply only boiler and an oil-fired combination boiler that will supply heat and store hot water for your household's usage rather than having instant hot water from conventional gas boilers.

Where are Oil Boilers Installed?

An oil boiler can be installed either internally or externally in your property. External oil-fired boilers work in precisely the same way as internal oil boiler models.

They both need a tank to store the oil which is delivered by your oil supplier. The tank is connected to your boiler and is automatically fed by the fuel as required.

The oil boiler will then supply and heat the water needed for your taps and radiators. If you store your oil boiler externally, it will give you more space indoors. There is little chance that you will hear any noise from your oil boiler if it is stored externally.

Although the risk is not common, carbon monoxide leaks will pose a real danger. If your boiler is outside your property, the risk is removed. Moving your oil boiler outside will mean your property is not turned into a temporary workshop when it is time for its annual servicing, it will also give better access for the engineer.

If you decide to install your oil boiler internally it can be placed in the following rooms:

• Utility room.
  Kitchen.
  Bedroom.
  Airing cupboard.
  Bathroom.
  Garage.

Oil-fired boilers can be installed in the loft, but only under certain circumstances. However, OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) does not recommend the installation of oil boilers in the loft space, unless there isn't an alternative, and the oil boiler must meet British Safety Standards.

Most oil boilers are room sealed, which means they can be placed anywhere within your home on the understanding that the flue meets the requirements of all building regulations and any condensate run-off can be appropriately accommodated.

The code of practice for fitting oil-fired combination boilers in the loft are regulated by BS 5410 and state:

• The tank capacity has to be less than 3500 litres.
  The boiler has to be less than 45 kWh.
  Oil boilers have got to have a balanced flue. They have to be put in a drip tray. The drip tray must automatically shut off when it gets to a certain level in its drip tray.
  The space in the loft has got to have a permanent access point, and the attic must support the weight of the tank when it is full.The boiler cannot run on diesel.
  The boiler and the oil have got to be isolated outside of the loft space.

It is highly recommended that a qualified OFTEC technician fits any type of boiler installed in the loft.

Is Oil a Cheaper Fuel to use?

Domestic oil prices are tied to the cost of crude oil. The price of oil can fluctuate by demand, political situations and availability.

Due to oil prices being affected by the order, the prices can increase during the winter months. 

Oil fired central heating is usually a little more expensive than the gas supplied for your heating, but oil is often the cheapest option in rural areas due to the lack of gas that is provided to these remote areas. 

Pros and Cons of Oil Fired Combi Boilers:

The popularity of oil-fired combi boilers is expected to rise in the United Kingdom because they have many advantages as opposed to other types of heating systems. 

Advantages

• Oil-fired combi boilers are highly energy-efficient and will save a lot of fuel by heating water on demand.

• The running cost of oil-fired combi boilers is somewhat lower than with other types of boilers on the market

• Oil is a far more efficient fuel than gas. The oil will give an excellent return on every unit of energy that is used.

• Typically, an older system will have an efficiency of 60-70% where with a new oil-fired boiler, it will have an efficiency of 92-95%. 

• You can change your oil supplier at any time.

• You can use Oil-fired boilers alongside other renewable energy heaters.

Disadvantages

• It is not unfair to say that oil-fired combination boilers are a little slower to provide hot water than gas combination boilers; in this case, oil-fired combi boilers are far more suitable for smaller properties.

• Compared to the price of gas, oil prices do continue to rise steadily.

• A household combination oil boiler requires regular maintenance to guarantee its safety because a problem in any oil boiler can be dangerous.

Are Oil Fired Combi Boilers Good for the Environment?

A modern oil-fired combination boiler that is highly efficient do present an environmental alternative, especially for homes that do not have gas connected to their property.

All types of heating systems require regular maintenance and oil-fired boilers are no different. Regular checks and maintenance will enable your boiler to burn oil far more efficiently.

During the much warmer summer and autumn months, the majority of oil boilers will work well with solar water heating systems.

These solar water heating systems will provide most of the hot water for your home during the daylight hours.

Oil Central Heating Repair Advice

For your oil central heating system running efficiently, you will have to address any problems or faults that might occur as soon as you notice them.

It is highly recommended that you hire a registered OFTEC professional. Many people think they are proficient at DIY in the household; however, any oil fuelled boiler system should never be tampered with by an amateur.

It is best to have an annual inspection to make sure your oil boiler is working correctly.

An OFTEC professional will provide the appropriate survey on your oil central heating system. The survey will be completed before they begin any repairs.

They will inspect all the parts of your oil boiler system to ensure they meet OFTEC guidelines. They will provide all the correct equipment to make sure they can carry out the necessary repairs needed. Your OFTEC registered engineer will provide any parts or fittings that need replacing.

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Are you considering installing an oil-fired boiler in your home or business? We hope that this article has helped you understand the benefits of oil boilers.

If you require oil boiler installation, repair or servicing in the Carlisle or Cumbria area, contact your local oil boiler specialist.