All about oil boilers

An oil-fueled boiler is perfect for any home that does not have a mains gas connection as oil is delivered by road and stored in a tank that can be purchased or rented. In the case of a power outage, oil boilers still supply hot water so are ideal for areas that have unreliable electricity. As a ‘wet’ central heating system, oil can cause issues in that when you run empty, you must wait for a new delivery. At Swale Heating we want to provide as much choice as possible and so with Worcester Bosch, we install oil boilers to suit your every need.

Heating oil comes in two forms to heat a domestic home, Gas oil and Kerosene, which is most commonly used within the UK. These are typically nicknamed 28 second oil (Kerosene) and 35 second oil and are distinguished by colour (Kerosene=yellow, Gas oil=red). Oil can also help you to run old-fashioned appliances within your home such as an Aga. The price of oil has fluctuated in recent years but it is particularly based on production, the time of year and where you live in the UK.

Unlike cold water tanks, heating oil tanks can be installed inside, outside or underground. The tanks are made from fabricated steel or plastic and can be single-skinned, double-skinned or bunded with a protective layer.  These consist of one tank sitting within another as the space between the two tanks prevents an external oil leak. Tanks are measured to OFTEC standards so an OFTEC-registered technician can help you to choose your type of tank.

When it comes to boiler choice, you can obtain a heat-only boiler or a combination condensing oil-fired boiler which has an internal hot water store. Oil is highly efficient and ensures that you get a high return on all your usage.

It is necessary to also consider the drawbacks of an oil boiler to ensure that you are fully prepared for its installation. Most condensing oil boilers are floor standing and tanks can be unsightly, so you must consider space and design.

Similar to other fossil fuels, oil produces carbon dioxide and so cannot be considered as a green energy form. However, the use of oil provides at least a 90% efficiency and could be up to 98% efficient. Furthermore, as lubricants have been added to oil to increase pumping efficiency, the amount of sulphur has been reduced. Heating oil is non-explosive, ensuring that your family will be safe, and it has a higher BTU (heat) output than natural gas heating. A higher BTU means that your oil central heating system can heat up quickly and efficiently.

It is advisable to buy your oil in bulk or in warmer seasons so that the price is not increased due to demand. It is important however, to lock your tank to ensure that oil cannot be stolen as it is often targeted, usually in warmer times. 

If you’re looking for a new boiler, we have a variety of options available for you to get a quote for your installation and we only use the best boiler brands on the market including Worcester Bosch and Vaillant.

You can choose the option to complete an online survey to obtain a tailored estimate, followed by the ability to book an appointment for a time that suits you for our expert team to finalise your price at your property. If you want a quick start-to-finish quote and the ability to book your installation date and pay for your boiler today, then choose our online self-service option. If you’d prefer to speak to someone, give us a call on 0800 731 33 44 and one of our specialist advisors will be happy to help. Buy a new boiler today.