| When it comes to choosing a central heating | | | | They operate similarly to gas systems as the fuel |
| system, it pays to be informed. Heating your | | | | heats the water which is then pumped round the |
| home, especially in colder climates, is of huge | | | | home, and should have the same thermostatic |
| importance to not only personal health, but also | | | | controls and timers. The biggest difference is that |
| the health of the building and your bank balance. | | | | the oil needs to be stored in a tank, which can be |
| With various types of central heating available, | | | | over or underground, and fresh supplies delivered. |
| each offering different benefits, let's look at three | | | | Like natural gas, oil is very efficient, giving a good |
| of the most common: gas, oil and LPG (Liquid | | | | return for energy used. Some manufacturers |
| Petroleum Gas). All three are ideal for home | | | | claim 97% efficiency*, which is good from both |
| heating needs - central heating, water, fires, | | | | heating and money-saving points of view. |
| ovens and cookers, but vary in suitability, | | | | * |
| installation and efficiency. | | | | One main misconception about oil central heating is |
| Gas | | | | that it is smelly. This may have been the case |
| Gas is the most common type of central heating | | | | with older steel tanks, which are prone to |
| system. Also known as a "wet system", a | | | | corrosion if not cleaned out regularly, but most |
| gas-fired boiler heats up the water which is then | | | | modern tanks are made from plastic, extremely |
| pumped round the radiators, one, sometimes two | | | | hard wearing and virtually odour free. |
| in each room, as well as providing hot water for | | | | LPG |
| taps. It is probably the most affordable system, | | | | LPG has a growing popularity when it comes to |
| and is also safe and reliable if serviced often. | | | | choosing a central heating system. From a green |
| Gas central heating is highly efficient and offers a | | | | point of view, compared to other fossil fuels, LPG |
| good return on units of energy used. Efficiency | | | | has the lowest level of carbon emissions, poses |
| does depend on radiator type, however, with the | | | | no pollution threat to the soil or water, and burns |
| two most common types being cast iron and | | | | very cleanly with few emissions. |
| aluminium. Radiators made from cast iron are the | | | | Like oil systems, the fuel needs to be stored in |
| best option because they retain heat well and | | | | tanks or cylinders, which makes it a more viable |
| continue to disperse it long after the heating is | | | | option for rural properties or properties with |
| turned off. | | | | plenty of land storage space, although LPG tanks |
| The efficiency of gas systems must be weighed | | | | are usually stored underground, which means |
| against other factors, however. Gas prices are | | | | minimal impact on the look of the land. Also, tank |
| increasing as the supply gets scarcer. But if your | | | | installation is cheaper than oil tank installation. |
| property is unfit for on-site storage of fuels, and | | | | Making the Choice |
| you already have a gas supply, it may be your | | | | When you choose a central heating system, |
| only option, and if your home is not already | | | | become informed, weigh up the pros and cons of |
| connected to the gas network, connection can be | | | | each system, contact experienced and reputable |
| costly and disruptive. | | | | heating installation company for advice and |
| Oil | | | | quotation, and you'll have peace of mind knowing |
| Oil heating systems are viable if your property is | | | | that you have the right system for your home; |
| not connected to mains gas or live in rural areas. | | | | one that is efficient and cost effective. |