Switch from Gas to Oil heating

robsull · 17-07-2023 2:20pm #1

Hi,

I recently purchased a house constructed early 2000's. It's a rural house so it has a bulk gas tank. When I was chatting to a plumber, he reckons it will be very expensive to run and I would be better off switching it to oil heating. Now I'm not too sure about that. Also to note that the tenant who was in the house said it was cold and h couldn't draw gas to it. But the windows are shocking and are being replaced. The old fireplace has a gale wind coming in and that's being replaced with a free standing 8kW stove.

Havent heard of people going gas to oil. It's usually the other way.

Flogas will replace the tank and also install a new boiler as on offer. The boiler is nearly 20 years old as well.

Any info or opinions would be great.

Lenar3556 · 17-07-2023 10:29pm

Oil will likely be a little cheaper to run than bulk gas, but not enough to warrant replacing it.

The offers from both Calor and Flo are quite good. Make sure you price around every 1-2 years to get the best deal.

There is a big disparity between what individual customers are paying for bulk gas, depending on the individual circumstances.

John.G · 18-07-2023 8:03am

The latest SEAI domestic fuel cost comparison list that I have is April, it gives the cost of kerosene at €0.97/liter and LPG at €1.1/litre, I paid €0.94/litre for kero on May 3rd so comparison costs probably OK to use.

You want to be very careful in comparing the cost per litre of both fuels as the heating value of a liter of LPG is only 69.5% of that of a liter of Kero, 7.09kwh vs 10.2kwh, so X the cost/liter of LPG by 1.44 to get the true comparison cost, LPG does give better boiler control as a LPG boiler modulates and it can be run at lower flue gas temperatures which is worth probably around 5% better efficiency so using a factor of 1.37 to 1.4 would be good to use. In the above case the true cost of LPG is, €1.1*1.4, €1.54/liter vs €0.97/liter of kero or almost 59% more expensive by my calcs.

I know of lots of people who converted oil to natgas but none who converted oil to LPG.

18-07-2023 8:19am

Shockingly expensive way to heat a home. I had two German neighbours who heated old cottages with bottle gas and it was brutally expensive.

robsull · 18-07-2023 9:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865390#Comment_120865390

Thanks for the info. I have been quoted 77 cents/litre from Flogas and they will replace the boiler( which is 20 years old). obviously, that will put me into a 2 year contract

robsull · 18-07-2023 9:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865438#Comment_120865438

This wouldnt be with bottled gas. Its a bulk tank installed at the property

robsull · 18-07-2023 10:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865815#Comment_120865815

Also the plumber is talking about converting from LPG to oil. not the other way round

18-07-2023 10:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865818#Comment_120865818

It's still significantly more expensive to run.

Calahonda52 · 18-07-2023 10:03am

AS noted by John G above, ask for the efficacy of the boiler and the cost per kWh.

You also need to amortise the benefit of the nil cost to you of the new boiler.

Will they install?

In addition FYI, if roads are icy etc, LPG trucks dont travel as opposed to oil trucks

robsull · 18-07-2023 10:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865837#Comment_120865837

I have a rgi plumber who will do it little to no cost for me

Rosahane · 18-07-2023 10:13am

If you go down the oil route t's going to cost you about €2500 - €3000 for an oil boiler and tank and installing. You should look at how long this will take to save with oil compared to the Flogas offer.

Oscar_Madison · 18-07-2023 10:14am

Have you explored going all out and going fully electric with solar panels etc? Considering you’re likely doing considerable renovations wouldn’t now be the time to bite the bullet?

Wearb · 18-07-2023 10:16am

Will there be a minium usage clause in your contract? I know of some users who were caught out by this.

Lenar3556 · 18-07-2023 10:39am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120865815#Comment_120865815

When you factor the difference in gross calorific value of the two fuels the LPG is about 15% more expensive than oil at todays prices.

But as pointed out by John, a good LPG boiler has modulation options and this allows for increased net efficiency. It’s difficult to put a figure on it, but 5% over a typical oil installation doesn’t sound unreasonable.

I’d be tempted by the gas offer, just make sure you recontract or move every 1/2 years.

shane b · 18-07-2023 10:53am

If your only after purchasing the house, maybe spend a year in the house to get a feel for how much gas you will use. There will be decent outlay to convert over initially and will it be cost effective. Upgrading the insulation may be more beneficial, a door blower test could be useful.

I have an LPG tank with Flogas and as the poster mentioned above our rate is based on a minimum usage of 1600 litres a year. Calor also have different rates depending on usage over a 12 month period.

monseiur · 21-07-2023 4:33pm

Not exactly answering your question but before changing or upgrading heating system,.....if your budget allows, do the following ;

Fit top grade triple glazed uPVC windows & doors. Upgrade attic insulation to at least 300mm. Pump cavity walls with insulating beads or fit insulated panels (slabs) on inside of all 'external' walls. Fit thermostatic valves on all rads. If house is an exposed area consider a storm porch with sliding patio doors at both front & back doors.

Contact SEAI - as your house is built over 20 years you may qualify for grants for insulation etc.

Switch from Gas to Oil heating

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