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Plumbing

Electric boiler vs Oil boiler

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.53 PM

I am just looking for advice if anyone can help I would really appreciated it. Moved into a 3 bed 1920’s property in April. There is no gas supply and it currently has an amptec electric boiler c1200 and immersion hot water tank. Some of the houses nearby have oil and I have been receiving so much conflicting advice on what we should do. Gas isn’t an option and I do not want to go down the heat source pump route. So my questions is, do we shell out on the money to convert to a oil heated system? Or should we stick to electric? Can we get a better hot water system installed to run alongside the electric boiler and would this be beneficial? I know this may not be the easiest question to answer but I am very much out of my depth and everyone’s advice has been so different. Any advice will be appreciated!

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4 Answers

Jon James electrical

Rating: 5 out of 5
Beaminster
Hi there, I can’t speak of the oil filled heating systems, but I have installed many QUANTUM dimplex heaters, which are all electric and possibly cheaper in the long run, Once you have the heaters sized correctly to the rooms, The start up cost like most things will be high but once programmed correctly the running cost is cheaper then most, I hope this helps and if you require further assistance please give me a call.
Answered18 July 2023
4

1 Point Plumbing and Heating Services LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5
Manchester
Choosing between an electric boiler and an oil boiler depends on various factors, including the cost of installation, ongoing operating costs, availability of fuel, and your specific heating and hot water needs. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, so let's explore them to help you make an informed decision: Electric Boiler: Pros: No fuel storage required: Electric boilers do not need a separate fuel storage tank, making installation simpler and requiring less space. Efficiency: Electric boilers are highly efficient, with almost all of the electricity converted into heat. Quiet operation: Electric boilers are generally quieter than combustion-based systems like oil boilers. Low maintenance: Electric boilers have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. Cons: Higher operating costs: Electricity is typically more expensive than other fuel sources, which can lead to higher energy bills compared to oil boilers. Limited heating capacity: Electric boilers may struggle to provide sufficient heat for larger properties or during extremely cold weather. Dependency on electricity supply: Power outages could leave you without heating. Oil Boiler: Pros: Lower operating costs: Oil is often cheaper than electricity, resulting in potentially lower heating expenses. High heating capacity: Oil boilers can provide higher heat outputs, making them suitable for larger homes or properties with higher heat demands. Independence from the electricity grid: Oil boilers can operate even during power outages. Cons: Fuel storage required: You'll need space for an oil tank on your property. Carbon emissions: Oil boilers produce carbon emissions during combustion, making them less environmentally friendly compared to electric boilers. Additional Hot Water System: If you decide to stick with the electric boiler, you can consider installing an additional hot water system, such as an unvented hot water cylinder, to improve the hot water supply. Unvented cylinders can store hot water at mains pressure, providing better water flow and pressure for showers and taps. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, budget, and long-term plans. If you're concerned about operating costs and have access to a reliable and reasonably priced oil supply, an oil boiler might be more economical in the long run. However, if you value the simplicity, efficiency, and lower maintenance of electric boilers, it may be worth sticking with or improving your current system. Before making a decision, consult with heating professionals and get multiple quotes for both conversion to oil and installing additional hot water systems. They can assess your property's specific heating needs, provide tailored advice, and give you a better understanding of the associated costs and benefits of each option.
Answered31 July 2023
1

Anonymous user

Go for the Oil heating.. I am a plumber by trade and recently llived in the country for over 10 years. I had a Oil central heating system and never once had any issues. They are extremely reliable. The main issue is the fluxing of the oil prices.. Piece of mind for years.. Heat output is far superior than electricity and would work best if you can fit a multfuel stove in combination..save yourself a fortune over 20 years. 👍
Answered7 August 2023
0

Wayne Perry

Rating: 5 out of 5
Shrewsbury
What I’ve found in older properties in the past is lack of insulation! I’d advise you getting your property up to date on windows , loft insulation , cavity wall insulation and any drafts that can cause loss of heat. I’ve worked on air source heating systems for years now and have found that the cost of running them can be high due to heat loss. Oil central heating can be more immediate on demands as it burns hotter. Electric heating is slower to heat up and not as hot, but it’s more environmentally friendly. There’s lots of information on the internet about both types.
Answered10 August 2023
0