Oil vs gas: which boiler is best for your home?

What are the benefits of oil boilers?

Oil boilers offer several key advantages, making them a suitable choice for many homeowners, particularly those in rural areas or properties not connected to the mains gas grid. These advantages include:

Independence:

Oil boilers provide complete independence from the mains gas grid. This means you are not reliant on a public utility for your heating and hot water supply. You have greater control over your energy source and are not subject to potential disruptions or price fluctuations associated with the gas grid.

This independence is particularly beneficial for homes located in rural areas where access to the mains gas grid may be limited or non-existent. Thus, they contribute to a greater sense of self-sufficiency and independence for homeowners. They are empowered to control their heating and hot water supply without relying on external utilities.

Reliability:

Oil boilers are renowned for their reliability. They provide a consistent and dependable source of heat and hot water throughout the year, regardless of external factors such as the adverse weather of British wintertime.

Oil boilers typically experience less frequent breakdowns and require minimal maintenance, compared to some other heating systems. This reliability provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that their home will remain warm and comfortable throughout the year.

Greater control:

Contemporary oil boilers often come equipped with programmable thermostats and advanced controls. These features allow homeowners to precisely adjust the temperature settings to suit their individual preferences.

By adjusting temperature settings based on your daily routines, you can optimise energy use and reduce fuel consumption. With greater control over your heating system, you can create a personalised level of comfort within your home.

By carefully considering these benefits and weighing them against your specific needs and circumstances, you can determine if an oil boiler is the right choice for your home.

What are the benefits of gas boilers?

Gas boilers have become the most popular choice for home heating in the UK, offering a range of advantages for homeowners. Here are some of the key advantages:

Wide availability:

The UK boasts a well-established and extensive gas grid network, making mains gas readily accessible to a vast majority of homes across the country.

If your property is connected to the gas grid, accessing gas for your boiler is typically straightforward and hassle-free, eliminating the need for alternative fuel storage or delivery arrangements. This widespread availability makes gas boilers a convenient and practical choice for many homeowners.

High-efficiency:

Current gas boilers incorporate cutting-edge technologies like condensing technology. These systems recover waste heat from the flue gases, significantly increasing the overall efficiency of the boiler.

This high efficiency translates to lower fuel consumption, meaning you’ll use less gas to achieve the same level of heat and hot water. As a result, you can expect to see a noticeable reduction in your energy bills, saving you money on your monthly heating costs.

Compact and versatile:

Gas boilers are available in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit various property types and heating demands. Compact combi boilers are a popular choice for smaller homes and apartments, providing both heating and hot water from a single unit.

For larger properties with multiple bathrooms and high hot water demands, more powerful models are available to ensure a consistent hot water supply. This versatility in size and style allows homeowners to choose a boiler that fits seamlessly into their available space, whether it’s a kitchen cupboard, a utility room, or a dedicated boiler room.

Ease of installation:

The widespread availability of gas connections simplifies the installation process for gas boilers. Our Gas Safe registered engineers are experienced in installing gas boilers, ensuring the work is carried out safely and efficiently.

The smart home revolution:

Many modern gas boilers are compatible with smart home technology, allowing you to control your heating remotely via smartphone or tablet. Advanced features like weather compensation and modulation optimise boiler performance, ensuring efficient and comfortable heating throughout the year.

Wide range of choices:

A wide range of reputable manufacturers offer a diverse selection of gas boilers, providing homeowners with ample choice to find the model that best suits their needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

From basic models to high-end, feature-rich options, you can choose a boiler with specific features such as hot water cylinders, built-in controls, and stylish designs to complement your home.

How can Whickham Plumbing and Heating Services help?

At Whickham Plumbing and Heating, we have over 25 years of experience in installing and servicing oil and gas boilers. We can help you choose the right boiler for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly and efficiently.

We also offer a range of other plumbing and heating services, including boiler repairs, boiler servicing, and much more. If you are considering installing a new oil or gas boiler, contact us today for a free quote. We can help you choose the right boiler for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly and efficiently.