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LPG Central Heating Systems
It may not seem that way with so many houses having gas heating systems, but nearly 3.6m households all around the UK have no relation with gas lines.
In those locations and houses where gas is not available, many utilize the power of LPG or liquefied petroleum gas. The basic system is a ‘wet’ system, with LPG-fired boiler heating the water for central heating requirements with the help of radiators, and supplying hot water through taps for domestic needs.
The basic distinction when it comes to gas and LPG is that you may need to purchase or rent LPG, as it is stored in tanks and is supplied by different suppliers. Note that a few boilers targeted to gas are actually capable of using LPG.
Yearly expenditure related to fuel for water and house heating purposes (with the exclusion of installation charges)
Although the above figures are not reflective of actual oil bills, you may take assurance in the fact that efficiency of heating systems and average costs of LPG were strict determinants. Typically, the data takes into consideration a house having 3 bedrooms which is semi-detached. Other than that, superior insulation is assumed too.
Upsides of using LPG central heating
The efficiency of LPG is perhaps one of the biggest driving forces behind its popularity. As latest models of boilers are able to save as high as 90% of fuel at times, the choice of LPG seems pretty reasonable.
As far as replacement of an old model with a new one is concerned, you can have that done with minimal hassle.
Whenever you need a plumber, you are going to get one without much effort. The Gas Safe Register website is a good place to go, since the law insists that anyone related to plumbing or repairing of boilers must be on the Gas Safe Register.
Downsides of using LPG central heating
Like many other fuel sources, the cost of LPG is going to keep rising with time. So this factor may be a hindrance in the future.
Sometimes you may not have LPG anymore when you wait for the next delivery, as LPG delivery is based on road transportation. But since modern technology automatically notifies the supplier about unavailability of the fuel, you may be saved from facing this issue!
LPG installation charges are pretty high, especially if you are installing the heating system without any previous support. The storage tank does not look too good either if you fail to keep it underground.
Yearly servicing of LPG boilers is quite essential to maintain reliability as well as efficiency. As LPG is fossil fuel, it tends to produce large amounts of carbon dioxide damaging our environment.
Alternatives to LPG heating
If facing high LPG costs does not seem too great to you, you may go for a renewable energy source instead. Solar thermal panels as well as heat pumps are very popular renewable heating options. Aside from that, you will most likely get good incentives for production of heat under the scheme called Renewable Heat Incentive.