Oil Boilers Vs Gas Boilers - Which One Is Best For Your Home?

If you are looking to upgrade your current boiler, you might have encountered the option between gas and oil. While gas and oil boilers function similarly, they have some key differences that homeowners should consider before making a purchase.

This article will examine the differences between gas and oil boilers to help you decide which is best for your home.

Gas and Oil Boilers - How Do They Work?

Gas and oil boilers work from the same principle in terms of how they produce heat. They burn fuel (natural gas or oil) to produce heat that is circulated through a series of pipes within the home. Natural gas is supplied directly to your boiler via a pipe connecting your home to the EirGrid.

Receiving oil for your boiler is a little different, as you need to get this delivered to your home and store it in an oil tank. This option is ideal for homes in more rural locations that are not connected from the EirGrid.

Your boiler will function slightly differently depending on the type you buy. Three main types of boilers are combi, system, and regular. The type you buy will determine whether you need separate units, such as a hot water cylinder and a cold water feed tank. Each type of boiler also comes with its own pros and cons, so do your research before committing to a purchase.

Find the best oil boiler at Boiler Guide, where you can learn more about the various types of oil boilers and which one is best suited to your home and specific heating needs!

Pros And Cons Of Oil Boilers

Learn more about the pros and cons of oil boilers to help you decide on your next boiler.

Pros

Perfect For Rural Homes

If you live in an isolated location disconnected from the EirGrid, oil boilers offer an excellent heating solution comparable to gas boilers.

Free Up Space In Your Home

Oil boilers have the option of being installed externally. By installing your boiler outside, you won’t have a bulky unit taking up space inside your home. Having your boiler outside also means there will be less disruption from noise when your boiler is running. Regular maintenance and refueling your boiler also become much easier.

Lower Carbon Monoxide Risks

While carbon monoxide poisoning is rare in modern boilers, there is always the risk of a malfunction or leak. Since oil boilers can be stored outside, you can eliminate this risk and gain greater peace of mind.

Cons

Takes Up Space

While oil boilers can free up space inside the home, you also need ample garden space to store the unit and a large oil tank. If you have little to no outdoor space, installing an oil boiler may not be suitable.

Cost Of Fuel

Many factors can affect the price of oil, causing fuel costs to fluctuate. Oil is typically cheaper than gas; however, gas prices are more stable.

Installation Costs

Installation costs can be expensive if you don’t already have an oil boiler system in your home compared to gas alternatives. However, if you live in a remote area and are disconnected from the gas grid, you will likely already own an oil boiler system.

Oil Supply

You will be responsible for keeping your oil supply topped up. You must order enough oil before your supply depletes; otherwise, you may be forced to go without heating until you can get more. Errors and delays can also occur with deliveries, which can affect your oil supply.

Pros And Cons Of Gas Boilers

Read through the pros and cons of gas boilers to compare them with oil boilers.

Pros

Cost-efficient

Gas boilers are the more efficient option out of the two, using less fuel to run. Natural gas is also cheaper, helping you reduce your energy bills. The price of gas boiler units themselves is also more affordable, perfect for those on a budget.

Better For The Environment

Natural gas is certainly the lesser of two evils when it comes to carbon emissions. If you are worried about your environmental impact, consider using gas instead of oil. Alternatively, you can use a sustainable heat pump to eliminate fossil fuels altogether!

Energy-Efficient

Modern gas boilers are among the most efficient boilers on the market, with ratings up to 94%. This means gas boilers don’t need to work as hard to heat your home!

Cons

Not Entirely Environmentally Friendly

Despite being the cleanest fossil fuel to burn, gas boilers still contribute to 0.205 kilograms of carbon emissions per kilowatt hour of operation in Ireland. Consider switching to electric boilers or eco-friendly heat pumps for a lower carbon footprint.

Maintenance

Gas boilers require frequent maintenance to ensure their safety and limit the risk of dangerous gas leaks. Regular maintenance can also lengthen the lifespan of your boiler and ensure it is running at optimal efficiency.

Which Boiler Should You Buy?

So, which boiler should you buy? By now, you should have a good idea about which boiler is best suited to your home. For example, switching to an oil boiler can be unnecessarily costly if you currently own a gas boiler system and are connected to the EirGrid. In this case, you should consider upgrading to a newer gas boiler.

Similarly, if you currently own an oil boiler and live in a rural location that is not connected to the Grid, an oil boiler upgrade would be the logical way forward. If you are concerned about your environmental impact, consider switching to renewable heating solutions such as air or ground source heat pumps!